§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department takes to verify the accuracy of claims by charitable organisations concerning humanitarian crises. [166479]
§ Hilary BennDFID has the capacity to undertake continuous global surveillance to identify and monitor disasters and emergencies. In the event of a humanitarian crisis, DFID officials gather information from a number of sources in order to establish the real nature and scale of humanitarian needs. This process involves detailed investigation through the internet, media, the United Nations, DFID overseas offices, UK Diplomatic Missions, Governors offices in the UK Overseas Territories and the Red Cross/Red Crescent family. If required, DFID officials are deployed to the specific affected country to assess the situation for themselves.
Charitable organisations are required to submit an audit report within nine months of the end of the recipient's financial year which clarifies use of DFID's funds separately.