Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Government Support for NGOs and Churches in Developing Nations: Covid-19 — [Clive Efford in the Chair]

25 March 2021 · 4 other contributors · 11,073 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Nigel Adams

Foreign AffairsReligion & FaithNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about government support for ngos and churches in developing nations: covid-19 — [clive efford in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Jim Shannon expressed concern about the severe impact of the pandemic on NGOs and churches in developing nations, citing examples of up to 50% job losses among NGO employees due to funding cuts.
  • Shannon requested the government to focus on vulnerable populations, ensure transparency in covid-19 funding, and create an access fund for small NGOs to reach the most marginalised communities.
  • The Minister for Civil Society, represented by another official, commended Jim Shannon for securing the debate and acknowledged his work on religious freedom but did not make specific commitments.

Key requests to Government

Shannon requests that the government focus on vulnerable populations and ensure transparency in covid-19 funding. He also asks for an access fund for small NGOs and prioritised funding to reach the most marginalised communities. Additionally, he calls for measures to prevent religious discrimination in aid distribution, particularly towards minorities such as Christians and Hindus.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Jim Shannon is concerned about the severe impact of the pandemic on NGOs and churches in developing nations. He cites examples where up to 50% of NGO employees have lost or may lose their jobs due to funding cuts. He mentions specific projects, such as those by Ards Elim church in Eswatini and Malawi, and Challenge Ministries supporting orphans in Swaziland. Shannon highlights the importance of these organizations in providing essential services like food, education, health care, and job support.

Other contributors (4)
  • Barry Gardiner Lab Brent North

    Emphasise the role of churches as community hubs providing essential services, especially during lockdowns. Call for increased financial support from the government to sustain these vital organisations.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Mr O'Hara thanked the hon. Member for Strangford for securing the debate and highlighted the global impact of the pandemic on developing nations. He emphasised that NGOs and faith groups are crucial in providing humanitarian aid but have faced funding cuts from the UK Government, leading to a severe financial crisis. Mr O'Hara also criticised the government's decision to cut foreign aid to 0.5% of GDP while increasing nuclear weapons expenditure. The speaker cited UN data showing 34 million people struggling with acute hunger and noted that demands for services by NGOs have increased due to the pandemic, yet UK aid has been reduced.

  • Frank Field Lab Birkenhead

    I discuss the need for more accurate data on vaccine distribution and the importance of involving local organisations in vaccination efforts. I urge the government to provide clearer guidance on funding support available for NGOs.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Paying tribute to the hon. Member for Strangford, Stephen Doughty commended faith-based organisations like World Vision and CAFOD for their critical role in humanitarian efforts during crises such as HIV/AIDS and the 2004 tsunami. He highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on marginalised groups and the risks it poses to global health, education, economic stability, and human rights. Doughty cited statistics showing a potential increase of up to 132 million people in chronic food insecurity due to the pandemic and noted that aid cuts would exacerbate these issues. He questioned why the UK is cutting aid at this critical time when it risks undermining commitments made under the International Development Act.

Government Response

Nigel Adams

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship here this afternoon, Mr Efford. The Minister for Civil Society would love to have replied to this debate, but she is travelling on FCDO business, so I am afraid hon. Members will have to put up with me in her place. I commend the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) for securing the debate and his ongoing work as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on freedom of religion or belief. The integrated review sets out our renewed commitment to the UK as a force for good in the world, defending open societies, democracy and human rights. NGOs and faith-based groups are essential partners in this goal. We have committed up to £1.3 billion of ODA to counter the impact of the pandemic, with nearly £70 million going directly to international and UK-based charities. The UK Government are providing up to £50 million through the Hygiene & Behaviour Change Coalition to mount a rapid response to covid-19 in 37 low and middle-income countries. Through our partnership with Unilever, charities such as World Vision, WaterAid, and ActionAid are delivering evidence-based hygiene messages to vulnerable communities. We have allocated £80 million through our rapid response facility to support UK and international humanitarian charities. The British public generously donated more than £10 million to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for covid-19, which the UK Government matched. This funding is supporting frontline doctors with equipment and supplies, providing clean water and soap to families in the Rohingya refugee camps, and tackling the impacts of the pandemic on displaced people. We are committed to delivering aid according to internationally recognised humanitarian principles that ensure assistance reaches those most vulnerable irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. Faith-based networks can reach remote communities and involve the world's poorest people in their social, economic and political life. With our support, faith-based groups are working to counter trends such as reversing years of development gains in areas like poverty reduction, gender equality, girls' education, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. We fund over 200 projects managed by 126 different faith-based groups, organisations, and churches annually with £130 million spanning 39 countries. The UK is committed to transparency in aid delivery through the publication of quality information on our aid programmes available on the Development Tracker. The FCDO funds an Institute of Development Studies project challenging narratives and countering hate speech relating to minorities and the spread of covid-19. We will continue to champion freedom of religion or belief for all, promote respect between different religious and non-religious communities, refute divisive claims about minority faiths being responsible for outbreaks, and reduce the use of intimidating language during elections.

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