Ethiopia and Eritrea
Debate between Lord Lemos and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Lord Lemos (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord for that question. We are reducing ODA to the equivalent of 0.3% of GNI in order, as I think everyone knows, to fund defence spending at 2.5% of GDP by 2027. We remain committed to the 0.7% target when fiscal circumstances allow, as set out in the International Development Act. Reducing ODA now is a difficult but necessary decision to respond to the pressing security challenges. With regard to Ethiopia specifically, Ethiopia is a long-standing and important development partner to the UK and one of the largest recipients of UK ODA. Ensuring the protection of civilians is our top priority. Our ODA budget for Ethiopia is £161.7 million this year, making us one of the top three donors, and that gives us a great deal of influence with Ethiopia and in the wider region.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)
My Lords, while I welcome the Minister to his position, I too align myself with the disappointment at the removal of the Minister for Africa. The noble Lord, Lord Collins, was doing a sterling job, and I express the disappointment from all sides of the House.
The Question is focused on the important issue of preventing sexual violence in conflict; for well over a decade, the UK showed leadership on that. We established an international alliance. Tigray was an area of key focus on the issue of accountability for acts of sexual violence, particularly against girls and women. In one clinic alone, over 100 victims of rape and sexual violence are being reported in Tigray. What assurance can the Minister give me that this will remain a priority and that, with high-level week at the UN upon us, the UK will use its long legacy and recognition of leadership on this issue in convening a meeting at a high level with Ministers during high-level week in New York?
Lord Lemos (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord. I too pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Collins, for his work and commitment. His commitment was extended to helping me with the answers to these questions, so I have benefited from his enormous experience and loyalty.
On the question of protecting women and girls from violence caused by conflict, the conflict in Tigray, as the noble Lord says, has left deep emotional and psychological wounds, particularly among women who have survived conflict-related sexual violence. Recognising the urgent need for trauma healing, the UK is providing direct funding to CARE International to support locally-led initiatives addressing this crisis. We are also working with partners to provide support to survivors of gender-based violence and provide humanitarian cash to the most vulnerable households in Amhara. Last year, we reached over 776,000 people in the region. We continue to encourage Eritrea to endorse the declaration of commitment to end sexual violence in conflict.