NGO sector call on FCDO to work with them in response to the IDC’s Racism in the Aid Sector

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) response to the International Development Select Committee’s (IDC) extensive report, Racism in the UK Aid Sector has today been published, over 6 months after the report was published. The report found that racism continues to exist across the sector and that it continues to reflect the power relationships of colonialism – with decisions on life-saving programmes and funding made by high-income countries.

The IDC had urged the FCDO to take urgent action, alongside UK INGOs, to address this problem

Responding to the government’s response, Stephanie Draper, CEO at Bond, said:

“The FCDO’s response is a welcome step forward on their journey to help build a more equitable sector. Bond and other colleagues across the sector have been working on this agenda for many years. We would be keen to support the FCDO and share experiences and learning to sustain momentum on this critical issue.

As a starting point, we would encourage the FCDO to invest more time, resources, and effort to tackle the injustices of systemic racism across the sector. Efforts to become locally led should be rooted in anti-racism and racial equity, to avoid tinkering around the edges. Greater representation from Black people and people of colour does not automatically mean transformative change. Much like the sector, the FCDO needs to address who has the power, resources, support and who is making decisions.“