How Will Safeguarding Be Affected By ODA Reductions?

The dust is settling, albeit a little, on the government's recent announcement to reduce ODA (Official Development Assistance).

The financial cost of ODA is often banded around, particularly during elections, and, unsurprisingly, it is often a heated debate between those who think more should be spent and others who think less. It's usually polarising and ultimately tricky to find a middle ground.

However, I'm not going to speak on that issue. Rightly or wrongly, the decision has been made to reduce it in favour of defense spending.

The issue that I'm troubled by is: where does this leave the matter of safeguarding? Ensuring that all work is carried out correctly, with respect and dignity for all on International Development Projects should surely be a priority. The matter of safeguarding is an important and delicate one. Arguably a hugely under-funded area that isn't always seen as a priority.