International Development Committee Inquiry on FCDO and Civil Society.  The Leprosy Mission Great Britain (TLMGB) submission   

Introduction

The Leprosy Mission Great Britain (TLMGB) is an international development organisation dedicated to eliminating leprosy and transforming the lives of those affected by it. TLMGB works in nine countries across Africa and Asia.   

Leprosy is among the 21 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and regrettably, it stands as one of the leading causes of preventable disability among communicable diseases. Leprosy is often called a disease of poverty and affects people at multiple intersections of disadvantage, e.g., gender, education and socio-economic status. As a result, TLMGB has adopted a holistic approach to its work. It addresses not only the medical aspects of leprosy and disability but also builds capacity within health services to diagnose and treat leprosy and its effects; invests in research that can accelerate the elimination of leprosy; improves community-based rehabilitation and mental health support to promote better health and inner wellbeing; challenges cultural misconceptions, stigma and discriminatory laws and practices; and helps people affected to improve their living and working conditions. Our commitment extends to working closely with individuals impacted by disabilities, while also championing their rights. 

 

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the FCDO’s approach to strengthening civil society in aid-recipient countries as part its wider development strategy?

 

1.1 A strength in the FCDO’s approach to improving civil society is the overarching goal to foster an enabling environment for civil engagement and participation in decision-making processes. This approach is emphasised in the recent White Paper, demonstrating the commitment to civil society partnerships to address challenges more effectively and to truly understand the needs within communities. We recommend that FCDO puts more emphasis and effort on explaining this goal to civil society in aid-recipient countries and reinforces its desire to create an enabling environment with concrete steps, clearly and effectively communicated to target groups in aid-recipient countries. Ideally, these steps should be decided and designed together with the target audiences. 

  

1.2 Since the Covid pandemic, there has been a notable reduction in engagement with civil society organisations. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there was an expectation that dialogue, communication and involvement would improve. One example experienced at the Leprosy Mission was during a virtual monitoring assessment of an FCDO-funded project in Nepal, where no representative of FCDO participated in the call. This underscores the decline in engagement which has also coincided with the merger of DFID with FCDO, leading to a loss of capacity and expertise. FCDO has limited direct contact with civil society organisations and in many cases, FCDO itself is one step removed as communication is through fund managers such as Mannion Daniels or Crown Agents. The often-distant relationship between the in-country FCDO team and local civil society organisations or non-governmental organisations also poses challenges to effective engagement and collaboration. Additionally, the decision to discontinue Aid Match and Aid Direct funding accounts for a significant weakness, as these initiatives mobilised resources to effectively engage civil society, both domestically and internationally. 

 

 

1.3 The FCDO’s approach appears primarily focused on engaging with the UK civil society to win their support for international development, rather than directly engaging with civil society in aid-recipient countries. However, strong civil societies are crucial for holding governments accountable, challenging access to entitlements and ensuring effective use of aid funding. Therefore, it is in FCDO’s interest to build more robust and direct links with civil society actors in recipient countries.   

 

1.4 The FCDO’s approach should prioritise diversity, inclusion and the participation of all groups, particularly marginalised communities such as those affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases, including leprosy. NTDs affect 1.6 billion people across the world, and they are often the most marginalised and on the outskirts of society. Their marginalisation, however, is not the result of a singular disease, but rather a result of intersecting disadvantages such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education, gender and so on. Persons affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases are often forgotten about within their countries’ civil society. Therefore, civil society strengthening initiatives should use a twin-track approach: First, engage with the country’s civil society in the broader sense as a strengthened civil society ultimately benefits every community, but at the same time do not neglect vertical, disease-specific or community-specific engagements as some sections of society need more support and investment than others. 

 

 

2. What is the role of UK diplomats and staff in supporting civil society and civil society organisations?

 

2.1 UK diplomats and staff can play a crucial role in developing strong civil societies and civil society organisations. As representatives of the UK government, diplomats have a platform that holds significant influence. Staff must use this platform to advocate for the protection of civil society and their rights, and promote an environment that strengthens civil society. To do this effectively, diplomats should engage in regular discussions and partnerships with civil society to understand their needs, challenges and experiences. These discussions and partnerships should move beyond the larger, more vocal civil society groups and make sure to include smaller, less vocal groups who are most likely in need of more support to build their capacities. Since disability inclusion is recognised by FCDO as essential for leaving no-one behind, these discussions must ensure that the voice of people with disabilities are heard by FCDO staff, in both the UK and in aid-recipient countries. Such engagement is essential, even without direct funding, as it facilitates more effective initiatives, inclusive of civil society. A strong civil society not only helps to ensure the rights of the most marginalised are realised but can also hold their governments to account for the effective spending of UK bilaterial aid.  

 

2.2 Furthermore, the FCDO’s funding often favours larger more established civil society organisations, limiting funding for grassroot organisations working directly with the most marginalised communities. The White Paper sets out an approach to leave no one behind and target marginalised groups, but FCDO funding does not always reflect this. While the focus on working with familiar partners is understandable, there is a risk of prioritising the ‘low-hanging fruit’ and overlooking sustainable, bottom-up approaches that involve marginalised communities.  

 

2.3 The new funding mechanisms detailed in the White Paper, such as investment into large companies and the emphasis on achieving returns on investment pose challenges to adopting a truly bottom-up approach to UK aid. Local-led initiatives and investment in grassroot organisations are known best-practice and are critical to foster greater ownership for civil societies in aid-recipient countries. Diplomats’ role is to ensure that grassroots organisations are prioritised, best practice is learned and implemented, and approaches are responsive to local needs.  

 

 

3. Are the current processes foracquiringand reporting on funding enabling or preventing smaller civil society organisations as they seek to secure support?  

 

3.1 There are limited opportunities for smaller civil society organisations to secure funding, as the available funding streams primarily cater to larger organisations, excluding grassroots initiatives. Currently, there is an emphasis on scale and impact, overlooking the invaluable contribution of smaller organisations working directly at the grassroots level, creating meaningful change for the most marginalised. Innovation and sustainability often come from investment in organisations working at the grassroots, where solutions to problems are developed with communities rather than for them. There needs to be pots of funding available for smaller organisations, particularly those who target the most vulnerable within civil society.   

 

3.2 The funding application process itself presents challenges for smaller organisation such as Organisations of Persons with Disabilities. The process requires specific high-level technical skills that may exclude overseas partners who potentially lack the required technical and industry-specific skills, expertise or capacity. This creates barriers for active participation from civil society, such as people with disabilities, increasing inequities in accessing funding.  Previously, DFID was seen as a ‘guiding light or leader’ for disability and inclusion, but this has not been translated to FCDO in the same way, with limited funding available for people with disabilities.   

 

 

4. Do commitments made in the recent international development White Paper provide a sufficient foundation for the FCDO’s work on promoting civil society across aid-recipient countries?

 

4.1 The commitments outlined in the White Paper represent a significant step in the right direction towards promoting civil society across aid-recipient countries. The Leprosy Mission welcomes the commitment to partnerships built on mutual respect that places greater value on the voice, perspectives and the needs of developing societies. We welcome the approach that focuses on locally led initiatives, particularly inclusive of marginalised groups. This is reinforced by the commitment made in the White Paper to release a strategy on how the UK will support local leadership.  

 

4.2 While civil society engagement is mentioned in various sections of the White Paper, the dedicated chapter on civil society primarily focuses on UK civil society and expertise, raising concerns about the lack of emphasis on local leadership and knowledge within aid-recipient countries. For effective development rooted in best practice, initiatives must engage civil society in aid- recipient countries to ensure sustainability and ownership.  

 

4.3 The commitments in the White Paper provide a foundation for improving civil society across aid-recipient countries but the test lies in effectively translating these commitments into action, especially in a complex unstable world. All initiatives must prioritise local leadership, engage civil society at all levels and promote inclusion to achieve impactful development outcomes.  

 

4.4 Furthermore, the White Paper underscores the government’s commitment to disability inclusion and rights, as evidenced by the Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy and commitments made at the Global Disability Summit. These commitments acknowledge the importance of engaging civil society, including groups such as those affected by leprosy, in decision-making processes and leveraging local expertise to ensure that support reaches those most at risk of being left behind. 

 

 

5. To what extent has FCDO support for improving the enabling environment for civil society, and direct support for civil society organisations, aided progress towards reaching Sustainable Development Goal 16 – “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”?

 

5.1 Previous initiatives such as the Civil Society Challenge Fund, which aimed to support civil society organisations and promote human rights, have been discontinued. Additionally, funding opportunities from the EU, which previously supported human rights initiatives, have disappeared following Brexit, further limiting resources available for civil society engagement in promoting justice and peace. 

5.2 In today’s world, the political climate is ever changing which underscores the importance of a strong civil society in challenging environments that may undermine peace and justice. However, without dedicated funding streams and initiatives, the capacity of civil society to advocate for change may be compromised. Civil society organisations play a crucial role in advocating for human rights, facilitating access to justice, and holding institutions accountable for their actions. 

5.3 Discriminatory laws in some aid-recipient countries affecting people with leprosy present significant challenges to achieving SDG 16 objectives. These laws perpetuate stigma and discrimination against individuals affected by leprosy, hindering their access to justice and inclusion in society. A political will from the FCDO and efforts to address discriminatory laws and promote equality and inclusion for people with leprosy are essential for realising the full potential of SDG 16, and building a more just and inclusive society.  

 

6. What role can the FCDO’s work on improving civil society play in broader UK international policy?

 

6.1 FCDO engagement with civil society not only fosters inclusivity but also ensures that UK international policy reflects the diverse needs and priorities of local communities, particularly those who are marginalised. By actively involving civil society and their organisations at grassroots and international levels, the FCDO can tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and expertise, amplifying the UK’s influence on the global stage. This can set a precedent for policies that prioritise the engagement of civil society and comprehensive decision-making processes. The UK can demonstrate leadership in fostering inclusive international policies and sustainable development practices.  

 

6. 2A stronger civil society is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serves as a foundation of international cooperation. By promoting inclusive growth,equitable policies, and environmental sustainability, FCDO’s support for civil societies contributes directly to achieving these goals, thus fulfilling the UK’s commitments to global development efforts. 

 

6.3 A strong civil society plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and challenging power imbalances. By empowering communities to advocate for the rights of all individuals, FCDO’s efforts can contribute to creating a more just and inclusive society. 

7. What wider benefits can be harnessed from strengthened civil society?

7.1 A strong civil society will build the fabric of society itself. Not only will it bind communities and promote trust and unity, but it will also encourage independence rather than dependence.  It lays the foundations of resilient and sustainable societies, reducing reliance on foreign aid and fostering networks of peace in our increasingly volatile world.    

 

7.2 By strengthening social cohesion and inclusion, civil society can collaborate and support one another, creating a safer, more stable environment. It can empower marginalised groups, such as people with disabilities and those affected by leprosy, to amplify their voice in decision-making processes and advocate for their rights. Ultimately this means those often left in the margins can participate fully in society. Added to this, many civil society organisations play a crucial role in protecting human rights. For example, campaigning for the repeal of laws that discriminate against those affected by leprosy helps promote a more just and equitable world.   

 

7.3 A stronger civil society can help to hold governments accountable for their commitments and responsibilities. Civil society can advocate for increased transparency, more feedback and responsiveness to citizens’ needs and concerns. For example, 196 countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), meaning they have a responsibility to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities which includes people affected by leprosy.  Challenging government commitments and efforts to declarations like this, can promote a more responsive government and provide benefits for all people, particularly the most marginalised.  

 

7.4 Grassroot initiatives that are led by civil society can drive long-term positive change, empowering individuals and addressing root causes of inequality. These efforts are not only fundamental for poverty reduction, but also environmental sustainability where grassroot movements often lead efforts to raise awareness, mobilise action, and influence policies to tackle challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. This aligns closely with the UK Government priorities outlined in the White Paper.