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

25 March 2021

Lead MP

Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP

Responding Minister

Nigel Adams

Tags

EmploymentForeign AffairsWomen & EqualitiesStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 11073
Other Contributors: 4

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 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:

Lead Contributor

Strangford
Opened the debate
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.

Government Response

Nigel Adams
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.