Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what criteria her Department uses to assess the (a) due diligence, (b) commitment to UK Partnership Principles and (c) promotion of freedom of religion or belief when it allocates funding to (i) governments and (ii) organisations overseas.

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, for example by providing aid through civil society organisations rather than through government bodies.

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.