The Department for International Development (DFID) is the part of the UK Government that manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty.  On March 14th, it release a report entitled, "Preventing Violent Conflict" saying, "By 2010, half of the world’s poorest people could be living in states that are experiencing, or at risk of, violent conflict. Tackling violent conflict and its underlying causes is essential if we are to make progress in the fight against world poverty. Without addressing violent conflict, we will not achieve international security, stability and the protection of basic human rights for all."

Irving Rappaport, with the UK Ministry for Peace Campaign, wrote:

We are delighted to inform you all that the British Government this week published a new policy entitled 'Preventing Violent Conflict'.

This policy was based on wide consultations including submissions from Transcend and Ministry for Peace. It is particularly significant that no less than five government departments consulted on and support this new policy - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office, the Treasury, and the Department for International Development.

We are also especially delighted that the launch event for this new policy was hosted by the new All Party Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues which was set up and is managed by Ministry for Peace. The minister, Hilary Benn gave a brilliant speech which we will send you very soon.

In introducing the report, Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for International Development, said:

 “We all need to do more to reduce violent conflict if we are to succeed in reducing poverty. On average, it takes twenty years for a country to recover from a conflict, and nearly 40% of all civil wars start again within a decade.

“With increasing pressure on natural resources the world faces a potentially devastating downward spiral of conflict. By 2010 half of the world’s poorest people could be living in states affected by, or at risk of, violent conflict.

“If we are to cut global poverty and give people a safer future we need to break this cycle. DFID will work to ensure UK aid is used to stop conflict happening in the first place or reduce the impact of ongoing conflicts.”

From the DIFD website: 

Estimates suggest that a civil war will cost an average of $54 billion. For every year of civil war, economic growth – the jobs, the incomes that will help end poverty – is cut by over 2 per cent, year on year.

Mr Benn announced a £500,000 boost over two years to support the new UN mediation unit that will develop a team of skilled and experienced staff that are easily deployed to support the process of peace around the world.

You may download a copy of the report here:   'Preventing Violent Conflict'