FCDO Minister Faces Questions on Disability-Inclusive Development and Small Island Developing States Strategy
The International Development Committee is set to hold a crucial two-part session on January 23, featuring Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister Andrew Mitchell. The session aims to gather oral evidence and conclude ongoing inquiries into FCDO and disability-inclusive development, as well as the UK Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Strategy.
FCDO and Disability-Inclusive Development (2:30 pm):
People with disabilities, constituting approximately 16% of the global population, face numerous challenges such as unemployment, lack of education, poverty, health disparities, and increased vulnerability to violence and discrimination. In lower- and middle-income countries, these issues are exacerbated. The FCDO's own analysis reveals that aid cuts since 2020 disproportionately affected marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Last year, only 35.4% of bilateral aid projects had a disability inclusivity element, while merely 0.7% focused primarily on disability inclusivity.
The Committee plans to question Minister Andrew Mitchell on how the FCDO intends to restore support to people with disabilities, given the impact of aid cuts. Additionally, the committee aims to explore how the FCDO plans to enhance the value and impact of a reduced aid budget, ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities in the formulation of aid programs targeting them.
UK Small Island Developing States Strategy (3:15 pm):
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the world's most vulnerable countries, facing the severe impacts of climate change, extreme tropical storms, destruction of marine habitats, and rising sea levels. The UK Government's Small Island Developing States strategy for 2022-26 represents a re-engagement with these states. Witnesses have welcomed the renewed focus but highlighted the need for committed, long-term partnerships and stable funding to address the challenges faced by SIDS.
Concerns have been raised about climate finance, with witnesses emphasizing its insufficiency and misalignment with the needs of SIDS. The UK Government's commitment of £11.6 billion in climate finance between 2021/22 and 2025/26 has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding how much is allocated for SIDS. Witnesses stress the importance of predictable funding streams for development programs in SIDS to ensure lasting positive change.
While acknowledging the positive step of the SIDS strategy, the Committee aims to investigate whether the UK Government will translate its intentions into concrete, measurable, and long-term outcomes that are crucial for the well-being of Small Island Developing States.
