To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with non-governmental organisations and civil society on ways of responding to the hunger crisis in East Africa.

Officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) both at headquarters and at UK missions in East Africa maintain an ongoing and productive dialogue with non-governmental organisations (NGOs). FCDO officials, including senior members of staff, have had regular discussions with NGOs about the conflict in northern Ethiopia and more recently discussions have focused on the worsening drought and growing food insecurity. In January, prior to my [Minister Ford] visit to East Africa, I [Minister Ford] met UK NGOs to hear their perspectives on conflict-related sexual violence in relation to the conflict in Tigray.

Ministers would welcome further discussions with NGOs on wider humanitarian requirements in East Africa and we appreciate the nature of engagement with NGOs to-date.