7 Conclusion
147. DFID is delivering assistance in a country
where the Government acknowledges that it cannot make development
a priority until the peace process is brought to a successful
conclusion.[237] DFID's
own assessment of the challenge its country programme in Nepal
faces is that it "needs to balance constantly the strategic
imperative to work with and build state capacity and legitimacy
if we are to secure peace and development in the long-term, against
the need to ensure UK tax-payers' resources are used responsibly
and efficiently".[238]
DFID must guard against fraud and corruption. It needs to have
robust mechanisms in place to enable it to demonstrate that funding
is reaching the intended recipients. It must also be able to demonstrate
that its programmes are targeted on those most in need, not those
who are most vocal or adept at using the system.
148. We do not underestimate the difficulty faced
in achieving such a balance in a country only recently emerged
from a conflict which arose at least in part from exclusion, inequality
and poverty. However, if DFID is to fulfil the objective set out
in the 2009 White Paper of increased working in fragile states,
it must demonstrate the capacity to manage the complex challenges
evident in Nepal.
149. We have been impressed with the resilience
the people of Nepal have shown over 10 years of conflict and the
period of uncertainty and insecurity which has followed. Progress
made against the MDGs demonstrates that there is capacity within
the country, both to deliver much-needed services and to find
a way to resolve the many contentious issues, despite the highly
complex context created by so many ethnicities, religions and
castes. But there is still much to do, particularly on tackling
maternal mortality, hunger and inequality.
150. The UK's long association with the country
and DFID's position as a key development partner give the Department
a considerable advantage in providing effective support in the
country and influencing the Government's approach. DFID must ensure
that it capitalises on this to support progress towards peace
and security and to deliver development programmes, in partnership
with the Government and other donors, which are focused on the
needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable.
237 Q 132 Back
238
Ev 58 Back
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