HC Deb 19 May 2004 vol 421 cc1080-1W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes his Department(a) (i) runs and (ii) finances through the Inter-American Development Bank and (b) finances through the World Bank aimed at solving the social and economic problems of the native tribes in South America; which (A) countries and (B) tribes are included in each programme; when each was established; and what contribution his Department has made in each year of the programme. [173819]

Mr. Gareth Thomas

10 per cent. of the Latin American population is indigenous, ranging from less than 1 per cent. in countries such as Brazil and Venezuela, to over 50 per cent. in Bolivia and Guatemala. Most of DFID's programmes in Latin America address the issue of inclusion of various excluded populations, including indigenous people. This includes its support through the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

While both the IDB and the World Bank have a number of projects, or components of projects, specifically targeted at indigenous people, other projects, not so targeted, often have a similar or greater impact. This is particularly the case in countries where indigenous people represent a significant proportion of the population.

DFID is specifically working with the IDB to contribute to its efforts to ensure appropriate account is taken of indigenous people's issues in its policies and their implementation. DFID is providing US$203,500 contribution to the consultation process in the IDE's preparation of an updated strategic framework on indigenous development. At present, DFID does not have any specific programmes targeted at indigenous people in Latin America with the World Bank.

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