VSO Statement: Hold firm on 0.7% for foreign aid

17/05/2011 12:07:00

VSO UK is calling on the Government to hold firm on its commitment to enshrine 0.7 per cent of GDP to international development.

It follows reports that Defence Secretary Liam Fox has questioned the need to make such a commitment or enshrine the commitment in law.

VSO UK Director Brian Rockliffe said:

“The Secretary of State for International Development has said that Britain will not balance the books on the back of the world’s poor. We have a moral, economic and political imperative to increase our commitment to international development.

“All three parties have debated and supported enshrining the 0.7 per cent target in law. This will ensure that the world’s poor will receive the commitment they need to be able to create their own wealth and jobs, regardless of which UK Government is in power.”

“The government has already realigned its aid commitment to fragile countries – those currently experiencing violence or war or those at risk of violence. Investing in these at risk States is the best way to prevent radicalism, violence and war – and therefore protect Britain’s national security. We know unemployment and poverty can lead to radicalism – and currently there is up to 80 per cent youth unemployment in many of these fragile countries. By investing in long-term development projects that create jobs and promote economic growth – Britain can contribute to political stability in these volatile countries.

“There is a strong argument for increasing investment in international development. For example, Michelle Bachelet, the head of the new agency, UN Women will today meet with the Secretary of State at a VSO event in the Houses of Parliament during her first official visit to Britain. We know that investing in women makes good economic sense. Women in poorer communities spend on average 90 per cent of their income on their families, compared to male earners providing less than 40 per cent of their income to their families. Despite the widespread evidence that investing in women boosts economies in poorer countries, UN Women is still waiting for a financial commitment from the UK Government. And we fear it is going to be significantly under-funded.

Editor's notes

Media contact: Rachel Trayner on rachel.trayner@vso.org.uk, 0208 780 7265, 07738982122.

VSO is the leading international development charity that works through volunteers. Since 1958 more than 44,000 volunteers have worked in more than 120 countries. Today there are over 1600 international volunteers working in 42 countries around the world.