South America: Conflict Prevention

Mr. Watson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 13 July, Official Report, columns 108-9W, on Colombia: land mines, for what reason the Conflict Prevention Pool no longer funds projects in South America.

Chris Bryant
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's written ministerial statement of 25 March 2009 announced the Government's arrangement for conflict funding in 2009-10. We have increased the resources available for conflict activity in 2009-10; a significant symbol of the importance we attach to these issues. However, we face competing demands and we cannot fund all activity to the same level as in previous years. The funding for Latin America was withdrawn as the limited funds available were allocated to regions where the risk and impact of conflict is greatest, including south Asia and the middle east. The UK still undertakes significant work in Latin America on issues such as human rights and democracy, climate change and counter-narcotics. We continue to work alongside international partners, including the UN, on conflict issues.