Swedish development cooperation praised in OECD mid-term review
Sweden is making significant progress in improving and streamlining development cooperation. This is the view of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC), which has conducted a mid-term review of Swedish development assistance.
"I am happy that the OECD/DAC report confirms that we are on the right track. Effective development assistance of high quality is a prerequisite for enabling Sweden to help create conditions for poor people to improve their quality of life. That's why we work so much to create development assistance that is characterised by efficiency, results and openness," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Statement on the situation in Syria
Sweden condemns in the strongest terms the continued repression by the Syrian authorities of their own civilian population.
"We have every reason to condemn this massive violence with the greatest severity. It further undermines the legitimacy of the regime," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Sweden's humanitarian contribution amounts to almost SEK 700 million. Photo: WFP/Rose Ogola
An extra SEK 200 million to the Horn of Africa
The Government decided today to increase Sida's humanitarian allocation to help people in need in the Horn of Africa. The money will go towards meeting basic needs such as health, food, water, sanitation and protection of children.
Also today, staff from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will be travelling to Ethiopia to participate in the UN mission in the refugee camps in Dollo Ado. The mission, which involves building a housing and office camp for about 30 UN employees, will be funded by Sida.
SEK 41 million of Sweden's core support to Somalia
"In view of the famine disaster that has hit two regions of Somalia and that is in danger of worsening, USD 6.5 million of Sweden's core support to the World Food Programme (WFP) will now be allocated to efforts in Somalia," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
(USD 6.5 million= approx. SEK 41 million)
11 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Sweden's support to the Horn of Africa now amounts to SEK 407 million. Photo: Stuart Price/UN
Sweden's support to the Horn of Africa
The worst drought in 60 years, compounded by ongoing conflicts, has resulted in an imminent famine and continued refugee flows. Sweden has contributed a total of SEK 407 million in humanitarian aid to the Horn of Africa and is prepared to contribute additional funds to help affected people in the region.
Gunilla Carlsson talking to children in Kibagare. Photo: Peter Nordström
Report from Gunilla Carlssons visit to Kenya
Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation, Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, visited Kenya the 10-11 July 2011. During the visit, Ms. Carlsson held a number of meetings with Kenyan and international interlocutors. Among the issues discussed were the humanitarian crisis in Northern Kenya and the Horn of Africa and the reform process in Kenya. Ms. Carlsson also participated in the opening of a conference on opportunities for change funded by Sweden.
Sweden recognises South Sudan
Sweden has today recognised the independence of the Republic of South Sudan and intends to establish diplomatic relations. In accordance with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, South Sudan held a referendum in January 2011, in which an overwhelming majority voted for independence.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Almedalen: Interview with Carl Bildt on Freedom on the Internet
New communication technology - especially the Internet and mobile telephony - has broadened freedom of expression and information for millions of people (more than 400 million Internet users in China alone) and made it possible to search for information and communicate with the rest of the world in completely new ways.
SEK 30 million to Horn of Africa and Sudan
"In view of the worsening humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa and in Sudan, Sweden is now allocating additional humanitarian support to the region to help people in distress," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Photo: Gunnar Seijbold
New free trade agreement with South Korea means cheaper TVs
The major free trade agreement between the EU and South Korea enters into force today. This means that the prices of many goods from South Korea, including electronics and white goods, are expected to drop as hefty import tariffs are abolished. Fresh estimates show that the consumer price of goods such as refrigerators, dishwashers and clothing may be cut by many hundreds of kronor. Once the import tariffs have been phased out completely, a typical flat screen TV will cost about SEK 1 400 less and a medium range car about SEK 20 000 less.
"This is an example of free trade that people will feel in their wallets. It is extremely exciting seeing the free trade agreement in place - Sweden has been a strong driving force behind this in the EU," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
