Overseas aid - Government must act on Darfur crisis
Reflecting Ireland’s newfound status as one of the richest economies of the developed world, the State will be spending €1.5 billion a year on overseas aid by 2012. It is vital to ensure this money is not siphoned off by corrupt regimes.
In a welcome move to tackle the causes of food shortage, especially in Africa where millions of people starve every year when drought strikes, a special “Hunger Task Force” will be set up, harnessing public and private sector expertise. But if the Government is serious about focusing on conflict resolution and developing rapid response roles in humanitarian disasters, it should begin by pressing for UN sanctions against Sudan over the Darfur catastrophe.