KRAMER ASKS DfID TO CUT DOWN ON RED TAPE

5.17.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Jun 2006

The Department for International Development (DfID) published its new Humanitarian policy today (Wed 7 June).

In welcoming this policy, Susan Kramer also highlighted difficulties surrounding the recent earthquake in Indonesia.

Commenting on the policy she said:

'While I fully support DfID's aims and intentions I am very concerned that the Indonesian earthquake reveals continuing shortcomings in the system. Reports that there were delays of up to three days in approving some applications suggest there are real problems here. Too much red tape could cost lives and it needs cutting back.

'We also need the assurance that the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), so strongly promoted by Hilary Benn, is finally working as it should.

"More effort must be expended to persuade other countries to make significant contributions. In Darfur, even when money is available, very little of it has actually been spent and made a difference to people on the ground.

'It's all very well to promise money - what matters is its prompt delivery so it gets to where it is needed most.'