ActionAid has broadly welcomed the white paper published today by Britain's Department for International Development.
 
Claire Melamed, ActionAid's head of policy said: "We welcome the recognition that poverty cannot be overcome while there is systematic discrimination against women and girls. Also welcome is the move to address the effect of tax evasion on developing countries, as is the increased priority given to hunger and malnutrition.
 
"While there are many good new initiatives listed in the White Paper, particularly in the areas of conflict and security, we hope that these will not be delivered with money squeezed out of the many vital programmes providing basic services for poor people which are currently funded by DFID."  
 
"We are also concerned about a double standard being applied to international organisations.  The white paper makes funding for the  UN conditional on reform but fails to apply the same standard to the World Bank which receives far more funding from the UK"
 
Kate Bishop, womens rights policy officer, said: " Whilst the recognition that violence against women needs special attention in conflict situations  is a step forward, the issue is broader than that. Even in seemingly peaceful societies, violence prevents girls and women achieving their potential and is one of the reasons why many don't even complete a basic education."  
 
Martin Hearson, tax policy analyst said: "The substantial section on tax and tax havens is a clear acknowledgement that tax dodging is an international development issue and a cause of poverty.  Getting international corporations to publish country-by-country accounts is crucial, and we hope DfID's discussions on that  will lead to action.  We are pleased that DfID says it will find ways for developing countries to benefit from action on tax havens, and we hope it will follow through on this."
 
media contact: Tony Durham, 07872 378251