Joint statement from Peacebuilding and International Development Organisations on UK Aid Reforms

The Bond Conflict Policy Group, a coalition of peacebuilding and international development organisations, welcomes the renewed commitment by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to preventing conflict and promoting gender equality in the UK’s aid allocations released on 19 March. As conflict and division undercut hard fought progress on gender equality, climate change and international development, it is essential that the UK shows leadership in preventing and resolving conflict. However, we have serious concerns about whether these commitments can be delivered amid historic cuts to the aid budget.

The promise to allocate 70% of all geographic support to the most fragile and conflict affected contexts by 2027/28, as well as protecting central spending on Women, Peace and Security, is a step in the right direction, as is the connection to the role of diplomacy in preventing conflict. 

Yet, redirecting billions of pounds from aid to defence spending works against the stability that these commitments are meant to protect. The reduction in the UK aid allocation from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI represents an overall disinvestment in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, and raises the question of how slashed climate funding and significantly reduced country budgets will meet commitments to preventing and resolving conflict in practice, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. 

The renewed emphasis on prevention and prioritisation of fragile and conflict affected contexts is an important starting point and we welcome initial indications that geographic allocations will focus on addressing fragility, as well as humanitarian need. This must be followed through with clear action and dedicated resources to maintain a focus on working in partnership with local civil society and addressing the drivers of conflict – including gender inequality – across programmes, and maintaining the specialist expertise needed to do so effectively. 

The world is facing increasing levels of conflict, displacement and crisis, and we are seeing significant roll back on women’s rights, civic space, and the rapid dismantling of the international system. We remain committed to working with the FCDO to ensure the UK’s global role is one that fosters lasting peace. We strongly encourage the government to turn this commitment into a holistic, strategic and properly resourced approach to addressing the global challenges we are collectively facing. 

ENDS.

Notes to Editors:

1.  This statement reflects wide consensus across the sector. However, this does not mean that all members of the Bond Conflict Policy Group necessarily endorse all points.