UK to lead global call to protect the poorest

Scourge of coronavirus, famine

FE REPORT | Published: September 02, 2020 22:16:34

The UK will lead a global call for action to protect the world's poorest people from coronavirus and the increasing threat of famine, according to foreign secretary Dominic Raab.
"As the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is inaugurated today (Wednesday), the foreign secretary pledged to use the UK's diplomatic levers and aid expertise to build a stronger international consensus to fight back against the devastating impacts of coronavirus, conflict and climate change."
The UK High Commission in Dhaka made the statement. The UK will commit a new £119-million aid package to tackle the combined threat of coronavirus and famine.
The aid is expected to help alleviate extreme hunger for over 6.0-million people in Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Central African Republic, the Sahel, South Sudan and Sudan.
Alongside the package, Mr Raab has appointed Nick Dyer as the UK's first special envoy for famine prevention and humanitarian affairs to work in partnership with donors, UN agencies, NGOs and foundations to help prevent catastrophic famine.
He said, "Coronavirus and famine threaten millions in some of the world's poorest countries, and give rise to direct problems that affect the UK, including terrorism and migration flows."
"Global Britain, as a force for good in the world, is leading by example and bringing the international community together to tackle these deadly threats…"
"It's the right thing to do and it protects British interests," Mr Raab continued.
"We can only tackle these global challenges by combining our diplomatic strength with our world-leading aid expertise."
As the UK takes on the presidencies of G7 and COP26, the foreign secretary will urge other countries to step up and help the developing world.
The developing nations are now facing a series of devastating challenges, according to the statement.
The UK is leading the way in the international search for a coronavirus vaccine and has committed to equitable access for all to a successful vaccine, treatments and tests.
It is the largest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which is helping to make sure the poorest countries can access any Covid-19 vaccine.
In addition, the UK will continue to use its seat on the UN Security Council to call for life-saving humanitarian access for everyone who needs it.
It will also hold countries to account on their international legal obligations to allow aid workers to operate impartially in conflict zones.
The UK has committed to spending 0.7 per cent of its national income on aid.
The FCDO's formation will make sure its diplomatic influence and development expertise are combined to the best effect on the global stage.
The ongoing Integrated Review will inform the strategic priorities of the new department to make sure the UK aid and diplomatic efforts are a force for good.