Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how her Department conducts due diligence assessments and evaluates its partners’ commitment to UK Partnership Principles and to promoting freedom of religion or belief when determining the funding of governments and organisations.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

In determining UKAid funding to governments DFID assesses their commitment to each of four Partnership Principles. One of the Principles is commitment to human rights, which includes freedom of religion or belief. Evidence of lack of commitment to the Principles would influence choices on the level and the manner of aid provision. DFID contractual and grant arrangements used for organisations other than governments include specific clauses to prevent any discrimination against protected characteristics, including religion or belief.