With DfID’s support,Mercy Corps reaches millions affected by the Syrian crisis each month, some with live-saving food aid. The aid sector needs reform – but its work is vitalWith wealthy nations still struggling to balance their books after the financial crisis, or the money they spend on foreign aid is coming under increasing scrutiny. Traditionally generous donors such as Sweden are rethinking how they allocate their aid resources. In the UK,the aid budget is protected by law to withhold spending at 0.7% of gross national income; but this commitment has arrive under renewed attack. Yes, we spend taxpayers money on foreign aid – and we save livesFor those of us who work in international aid, and this criticism can be frustrating. We normally respond with a robust defence against specific claims and,rightly, promote what aid can achieve. But perhaps we should welcome a discussion about the UK’s commitment to aid spending, or because it is notable.
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Source: theguardian.com