In an effort to find a way to measure the success or failure of this policy, we are looking at aid, specifically targeted at regions from which large numbers of asylum seekers originate. Given the previous objective (“reduce asylum claims made in Britain”), it is reasonable to expect that this aid would be directed at areas likely to lower the number of asylum seekers, so things like peace-building, humanitarian support, and governance initiatives. Since the latest election, the government has announced a 3-year programme and a £75 million package tackling the migration “crisis in the central Mediterranean”. This programme will look to help fund emergency assistance to refugees and migrants on routes leading to the Mediterranean, as well as support the concerned African countries to manage the migration flows and make them safer. Part of it will also help fund international organisations’ resettlement programmes in those countries that are capable of hosting resettled refugees.
On top of this Mediterranean package, the UK has announced new aid initiatives in a number of troubled regions: £750 million over two years will be spent on Syrian refugees, whether in Syria or in neighbouring countries; £52 million for the communities, including displaced peoples and refugees, affected by the conflict in South Sudan, as well as an extension of the Royal Engineers peacebuilding deployment in the area; and an increase of £22 million in humanitarian aid for the Democratic Republic of Congo in response to escalations in violence. Given that this policy did not include a specific target of assistance to be given to the most troubled regions, we are, therefore, able to mark this policy as ‘done’.
Keen to know more?
- UK tackles deadly migration crisis in Central Mediterranean – Gov.uk
- Penny Mordaunt announces UK aid commitment to protect civilians, aid workers and hospitals targeted by the Asad regime – Gov.uk
- New UK aid support for South Sudan – Gov.uk
- UK extends support to peacekeeping in South Sudan – Gov.uk
- Emergency humanitarian UK aid package to DRC as violence escalates – Gov.uk
