Bond reacts to FCDO’s response to IDC report on Racism in the Aid Sector

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) response to the International Development Select Committee’s (IDC) extensive report, Racism in the UK Aid Sector has today been published, over 6 months after the report was published.

The report found that racism continues to exist across the sector and that it continues to reflect the power relationships of colonialism – with decisions on life-saving programmes and funding made by high-income countries.

The IDC had urged the FCDO to take urgent action, alongside UK INGOs, to address this problem.

Responding to the government’s response, Stephanie Draper, CEO at Bond, said:

“The FCDO’s response is a welcome step forward on their journey to help build a more equitable sector. Bond and other colleagues across the sector have been working on this agenda for many years. We would be keen to support the FCDO and share experiences and learning to sustain momentum on this critical issue.

“As a starting point, we would encourage the FCDO to invest more time, resources, and effort to tackle the injustices of systemic racism across the sector. Efforts to become locally led should be rooted in anti-racism and racial equity, to avoid tinkering around the edges. Greater representation of Black people and people of colour does not automatically mean transformative change. Much like the sector, the FCDO needs to address who has the power, resources, support and who is making decisions.“

ENDS

Notes to editor:

1. Fifth Special Report – Racism in the aid sector: Government response to the Committee’s First Report
2. Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 400 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
3. The IDC report, Racism in the Aid Sector, can be accessed in full via their website.
4. The delay in publishing the FCDO’s response was raised in the IDC evidence session that Minister Mitchell attended on Tuesday 6 Dec. A transcript can be read here.
5. Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities – March 2021 report by Dr Tony Sewell.
6. For further information or interviews please contact Maryam on 07555336029 or email [email protected]