Emer Higgins
Question:448. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Liberia is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13363/21]
View answerWednesday, 10 March 2021
Questions (448)
Written answers
The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.
This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.
The Embassy of Ireland in Liberia was established in 2018, building on the foundations set in place by an Irish Aid office which had previously supervised Irish development cooperation in the country and, before that, the contribution of Irish peacekeepers in the UNMIL mission from 2003-2007.
The Irish Aid engagement in Liberia is deepening following the establishment of the Embassy, whose approach is strongly aligned to A Better World, in particular the commitment to reaching the furthest behind first.
The Embassy is working to strengthen institutions and enable active participation by Liberians in decision-making processes. Particular focus is given to increasing women’s participation in local peacebuilding structures, the promotion of peaceful elections, and support to protecting Human Rights Defenders.
Ireland has long been active in the health sector in Liberia and played a coordination role during the Ebola outbreak in 2014-16. The Embassy continues to work to improve health and nutrition services, and to prevent and respond to sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy supports the Liberian Ministry of Health's primary health response, including case investigation and management, isolation and contact tracing.
Nutrition is a strong component of the Irish Aid work in Liberia, with the Embassy working in an innovative partnership with NGOs, government, local civil society and communities to improve nutritional status of under-fives in two counties where chronic malnutrition indices are highest.