prop · H103131en · 2014-03-18 00:00:00 — Reducing child mortality is linked to several different factors; access to healthcare in conjunction with birth, the prevention and treatment of childhood illnesses, improved diet, reduced violence, vaccination, water and sanitation are crucial. Initiatives to reduce maternal mortality can thus also help to save childrens lives. The demographic changes seen in low and middle-income countries mean that basic healthcare will also need to be focused on preventing non-communicable diseases. This requires collaboration with other sectors. Swedish aid must take into account the opportunities for elderly people and people with disabilities to live healthy lives, free from violence and discrimination, and contribute to social development. 5.4.3Improved access to clean water and basic sanitation Clean water and sanitation are essential to a decent life and are a fundamental cornerstone of the fight against poverty. Clean water is crucial to life. Improved access to clean water and basic sanitation are therefore vital. It is particularly important to improve access to water and sanitation in the slums of cities, for example by providing financial support for functioning toilets and hydrants. Functioning local, national and regional water resources management combined with legislation and work initiated by institutions can contribute towards increasing access to clean water and sustainable sanitation for people living in poverty. Sub-objective 5: Safeguarding human security and freedom from violence The Governments assessment: The following results are particularly important for achieving the sub-objective Safeguarding human security and freedom from violence: - Reduced vulnerability to conflict and for re-lapse into conflict - Greater human security in conflict and post-conflict situations - A reduction in gender-based violence Safeguarding human security and freedom from violence seeks to combat both poverty and oppression. Human security puts the security of people before the security of states. For individual people, this means the right to live a life free from violence and from the threat of violence – Comm. 2013/14:131 political, criminal, economic, social or gender-based. violence is a fundamental prerequisite for other freedoms and rights and is a necessary . Violence and armed conflict pose one of the greatest obstacles to combatting poverty. It is largely countries in conflict and post-conflict situations that tend to be the least developed, poorest and most vulnerable. In such countries it is for people living in poverty to have their basic needs met and to enjoy their freedoms and rights. If societies fail to resolve conflicts by peaceful means, there is a risk of armed violence. The causes of conflicts differ, but may concern issues of land ownership, the distribution of income from natural resources, or crimes against fundamental human rights, linked, for example, to religious or ethnic identity. Factors such as lack of water and climate change can contribute towards increased instability or conflict. The cost of violence is huge. Besides the loss of human life and suffering, armed conflict and large-scale violence often set economic development back several decades. One reason for this is that violence destroys relationships of trust – between states and citizens, between social groups and people – that are necessary for development. Once a community has fallen into a spiral of conflict or violence, it is hard to break out of it. In post-conflict situations, re-lapse into armed conflict is perhaps the most serious obstacle to development and combatting poverty. Violence is the ultimate form of oppression. All forms of violence against women and girls in war and in peacetime have a negative impact on them and on society. Violence limits womens opportunities to actively contribute towards societal development. Childrens right to protection from violence must be guaranteed for them to achieve their full potential. Swedish aid must therefore contribute to the efforts and capacities of societies and people to prevent, reduce and handle conflict peacefully – and to manage the consequences of violence and assault. Swedish aid must be focused on protecting the safety and freedom from violence of vulnerable people and people living in poverty. Swedish aid must also be focused on reducing all forms of gender-based violence. After a conflict, peacebuilding and statebuilding, including reconciliation, are central. 5.5.1 Reduced vulnerability to conflict and lapsing back into conflict A societys vulnerability to armed conflict is intimately linked to its ability to cope with differences of opinion without them turning into To reduce vulnerability it is essential to work with the causes of conflict in each given situation. Since these causes vary from case to case and over time, the conflict analysis, underlying Swedish support, needs to be continuously updated. Potential differences in the situations faced by groups should be clearly reflected. Flexibility, preparedness and a conflict-sensitive approach are needed in order to provide the right support at the right time. 2013/14:131 must support inclusive dialogue on conflict prevention, other forms of peaceful conflict management, trust and reconciliation. Aid may consist of capacity of actors or institutions involved in political processes. To attain lasting peace, all stakeholders must be included. The participation of women in all phases of the conflict cycle is fundamental. Civil society also plays an important role. Aid to strengthen can also address conflict-related issues. For this reason, contributes towards initiatives concerning transitional , combatting impunity, reforming the sector and dispute resolution, or other support to strengthen the rule of law. Support to increase democratic control and oversight of the security sector, security sector reform (SSR), is an important component in reducing vulnerability to armed conflict and re-lapse into armed conflict. Support to peace dividends may also be needed. This means that contributes towards initiatives that involve tangible, positive changes for the parties involved in the conflict and for the people and communities affected, as a direct result of peace. also contributes civil experts in conflict prevention initiatives and crisis management initiatives as well as initiatives in the field of and security sector reform. 5.5.2Greater human security in conflict and post-conflict situations Conflict and post-conflict situations are often characterised by violence and attacks on civilians. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Womens security is based on women being guaranteed full and equal influence in efforts to prevent, tackle and resolve conflicts and manage post-conflict situations. Swedish aid must therefore contribute towards this and give women and girls special protection, particularly through initiatives to strengthen compliance with Resolutions and 1820 on women, peace and security and their follow-up resolutions. Security risks for the civilian population may also be linked to disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants and the presence of mines and weapons. DDR can include initiatives supporting the transformation of armed groups into political actors. It is also very important that support for DDR is adapted to former child soldiers and women. Initiatives are introduced for dealing with mines, in line with undertakings under international law, and to support the work against the irresponsible and illegal spread of small arms and light weapons. Peoples security in the longer term depends on ensuring a functioning security sector. Military or officers who use violence, threats or otherwise exploit their position of power against the population are a cause of insecurity and a threat to democracy and the rule of law. A reduction in gender-based violence violence in all its forms prevents people from improving their living conditions. Women and girls are particularly subjected to this type of oppression, but men and boys are also affected. Swedish aid must therefore contribute towards protecting women and girls from all types of violence, including violence in close relationships and sexual violence, in crisis, conflict and post-conflict situations and in times of peace. Swedish aid must also be focussed on preventing and reducing gender-based violence, and on tackling the consequences of violence. Both women and men need to be involved in this work for it to have the best impact. The knowledge, expertise and actions of womens and LGBT organisations must also be taken into account. Societies in which women have autonomy and are participants in politics, the economy and the life of society tend to be less prone to violence and conflict. Swedish aid must therefore promote equality between women and men. It must also be used to combat human trafficking. 5.6Sub-objective 6: Saving lives, alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity The Governments assessment: The following results are particularly important for achieving the sub-objective Saving lives, alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity: -Humanitarian aid based on humanitarian needs, including the special needs of women and children -Improved food security in conjunction with humanitarian crises and disasters -Effective protection of refugees and internally displaced persons -Greater respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law -A strong and coordinated international humanitarian system The objective for humanitarian aid is to save lives, to alleviate suffering and to maintain human dignity, for the benefit of people in need who are, or are at risk of becoming, affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters or other disaster situations. At the same time it is important to prevent disasters and strengthen the resilience of people and society. Effective preventive work considerably reduces the risks of extensive humanitarian crises in the future. humanitarian aid is founded on the Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols and other sources of international humanitarian law, as well as on international refugee law, human rights, legal instruments relating to natural disasters, established international practice in this area and the humanitarian imperative. Swedish humanitarian aid must be needs based, in line with the principles of Good Humanitarian , and is guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. 2013/14:131 There are challenges on several levels. Humanitarian needs in the world are increasing, partly due to the fact that natural disasters are affecting increasing numbers of people while funding is not increasing at a similar rate. Humanitarian aid therefore needs to become more efficient such that the needs can be even better met. A central element in increasing the efficiency of humanitarian aid is improving the humanitarian systems assessment and analysis of what the humanitarian needs are in every given situation. A large proportion of the humanitarian aid initiatives are carried out in the form of humanitarian food aid and protection of refugees and internally displaced persons. The efficiency of these two central sectors needs to be constantly improved to ensure that aid reaches as many people in need as possible, partly through new working methods and innovative types of support. Humanitarian aid and more long-term forms of aid must work together to alleviate suffering and create the conditions to form a from humanitarian initiatives to long-term development. This paves the way for long-term solutions. 5.6.1Humanitarian aid based on humanitarian needs, including the special needs of women and children Humanitarian aid must always be primarily guided by humanitarian needs. humanitarian aid should be based on a global approach. will work to ensure that Swedish as well as international humanitarian aid is designed so that, in a flexible, rapid and effective and efficient , it can meet the humanitarian needs of women, men, children and young people in need, in each specific situation and context, and taking into account particularly vulnerable groups and their special needs. This particularly concerns groups whose lives and health are entirely dependent, for example, on relatives or functioning social institutions. will work to ensure that the ability of the humanitarian system to produce high quality, comparable and shared needs assessments improves. 5.6.2Improved food security in conjunction with humanitarian crises and disasters The Government believes that humanitarian food aid should be shortterm. It must only be provided to satisfy major and acute needs because large amounts of imported food aid may severely undermine local markets, agriculture and food production and so damage the long-term development of the country or the area. A lack of food security and malnutrition can be due to various factors, which humanitarian food aid must take into account. To achieve results, must work to ensure that humanitarian food aid effectively combats hunger. Food for humanitarian aid must primarily be purchased in or close to the places in which it is to be used. Humanitarian food aid must not only be restricted to food in kind; other, more innovative types of support such as cash and vouchers that can be Comm. 2013/14:131 exchanged for goods must also be used. 5.6.3Effective protection of refugees and internally displaced persons The Government believes that humanitarian aid – where necessary by using new methods and tools – should enable humanitarian actors to help provide refugees and internally displaced persons with effective protection and support, regardless of whether those concerned have taken refuge in refugee camps, host families or urban environments. must support the efforts of the international community to find durable solutions by striving to achieve closer cooperation between humanitarian actors and long-term development aid. must work for activities that encourage self-sufficiency and local ownership – among returning refugees, internally displaced persons and receiving communities. 5.6.4Greater respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law must work to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and complied with and that humanitarian principles are safeguarded. All parties involved must respect and facilitate free and safe humanitarian access to people in need. will work to ensure that this is achieved. will also work to ensure that measures are taken to improve safety and security for humanitarian personnel in the field. will work to ensure that humanitarian interventions for the protection of civilians are introduced prior to, during and after a conflict. will also work to ensure that the mandates for international peace support missions, where justified, increasingly include a mandate to protect civilians, including adequate capacity and training. 5.6.5 A strong and coordinated international humanitarian system A strong and well-coordinated international humanitarian system, inter alia based on the UN General resolution 46/183 (primarily comprising the UN, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, plus international civil society organisations) is crucial to effective emergency aid in support of the affected countrys own efforts. special position in international humanitarian aid is due partly to long history of work to develop international humanitarian policy, and partly to its sizable financial contributions. distinguished position must be used as an important means of furthering international policy development in a proactive, innovative Disaster prevention and capacity are important and will work to ensure that steps are taken in the early recovery phase to help minimise the future vulnerability of individuals and societies. 2013/14:131 will also work to ensure that the international humanitarian system is further strengthened, multilateral mechanisms are protected and that humanitarian work and long-term efforts for poverty reduction is coordinated to a greater extent. will also support the implementation of humanitarian reforms and act for effective forms of financing for humanitarian initiatives. and result-oriented Swedish aid The Government wants to ensure that Swedish aid produces the maximum benefit. There are a number of principles that encourage Swedish aid being used as effectively as possible to combat poverty and oppression. has undertaken to comply with international agreements including the (2005), the Agenda for Action (2008) and the Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (2011). Principles regarding the cooperation partners ownership, harmonisation, alignment to the partner countries strategies and systems, focus on results, and mutual accountability are important commitments in which continued progress needs to be achieved. Work to improve aid effectiveness has gradually been broadened to encompass undertakings on wider ownership and an inclusive partnership in which the role of civil society and the private sector in development is strengthened, in line with Swedish priorities. places particular emphasis on a focus on results, transparency and accountability. At the heart of work on aid effectiveness is that aid must lead to concrete and long-term results for individuals living in poverty or under oppression and that their opportunities to influence their situation and demand accountability must be strengthened. must be clear and set high demands for their partners in aid in terms of a focus on results, anti-corruption measures, an efficient use of funding and transparent accounting systems. These requirements must be expressed through more assertive dialogue and clarity in steering documents. must also be prepared to re-examine its involvement in aid when these requirements are not met. must apply a conflict-sensitive approach in situations of conflict and large-scale violence. 6.1Major focus on results Results strategies are central steering instruments in Swedish aid policy and the intention is that all Swedish aid must be strategy-based. Results strategies enable the Government to steer aid clearly on the basis of the results that are to be achieved. The intention is to clearly set out the results that the Government wishes to attain and facilitate the follow-up and management of activities. Strategies are being drawn up for aid in Comm. 2013/14:131 countries and regions, for cooperation with/through multilateral organisations and for thematically focussed aid work. These set out a number of expected results capable of being followed up that the Government wants Swedish aid to help to achieve. The point of departure is the countries own priorities and plans. The expected results must in turn contribute towards effectively attaining the six subobjectives of Swedish aid. This is described in more detail in the Guidelines for results strategies previously laid down by the Government. Work on results is carried out and handled at different levels in different parts of aid administration. Learning and feeding back experiences are two fundamental components. The Government considers that particular emphasis should be placed on follow-up, evaluation and analysis of the implementation, results and aid effectiveness. The aim is to acquire better knowledge of what works well and what does not work, as the basis for better decisions on the direction going forward. The work on results is also about communicating and reporting results. The Government wants to be able to give the Riksdag and the general public more exhaustive information on the results of Swedish aid. Knowledge gained from research into aid, development problems and the conditions for development should also be used as a basis for making well-informed decisions on the direction of aid in the future. Research results can also be used as a basis for countries analyses of challenges and opportunities for combatting poverty. Resultsbased management relies on the availability of reliable statistics. must therefore contribute to improving the ability of poor countries to produce, provide and analyse the relevant statistics. The Government considers that it must be possible to follow up on aid in relation to the targets set. The results of aid may look different depending on their nature and context. It may therefore be to follow up operations in certain circumstances than in others. The difficulties in following up results in aid must not, however, lead those administering aid to stop trying to do so. The approach should instead be to follow up what can be followed up and make assessments of the other aspects. do the difficulties mean that should focus its aid on short-term results or solely on results that are easy to measure. should refrain from providing aid in unstable situations where it may take longer before the aid achieves results or where the results will be to measure. Swedish aid must be characterised by openness and transparency. emphasis on transparency can be traced back to relatively unique principle of public access which permeates the entire Swedish administration system. This means an undertaking to make information visible, such that stakeholders in and in partner countries are able to follow the entire aid chain – from overarching 2013/14:131 approaches concerning the direction of aid and its distribution, to preparation, decisions, payment, implementation, and follow-up of individual initiatives and follow-up at a more aggregated level. This undertaking is manifested in the implementation of the transparency guarantee, whereby public documents and public information on aid must be made available online. The information must show when, to whom and why the aid was paid out and what the results were. The same demands of openness and transparency must apply to all aid-funded operations, with the exception of information covered by data protection. must also work for greater openness and transparency in partner countries. 6.3Aid must intensify the fight against corruption Corruption is a serious societal problem in the countries that receive Swedish aid. It disrupts the principles of the rule of law and is an obstacle to the fight against poverty and the development of a functioning state based on the rule of law. It is people living in poverty who are hardest hit. must make requirements and support efforts on the part of partner countries to combat corruption. Important measures for tackling corruption are the development of functioning and trustworthy institutions that promote openness, transparency and accountability. It is also relevant to bolster actors that may play a key role in anti-corruption efforts, as it is to support a climate in which whistle-blowers are able to act. The large resource flows in aid may constitute a risk of corruption in their own right, for example in procurement, and all actors therefore have a responsibility for forestalling and preventing corruption. Swedish aid must be characterised by innovation and flexibility. It must contribute towards and benefit from international development of new aid methods with the aim of greater achievement of results. Innovation, in other words development and use of new ideas, technologies, mechanisms and forms of collaboration must be encouraged and innovation processes promoted. Lessons must be learned from evaluation of and research into ways of resolving specific problems such as child mortality, low agricultural production or low literacy.