UK: Benn hails Africa report for being 'honest'

Benn hails Africa report for being 'painfully honest'

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has made a statement in Parliament about the Commission for Africa report.

He said the report, which was launched by Tony Blair in London last week, was 'painfully honest' in telling the truth about the 'corrosive effect of corruption and conflict' in the continent.

It proposed more aid, fairer trade, debt cancellation, help to avoid - and end - civil conflict and a greater emphasis on infrastructure development.

Mr Benn said:

"This year four million African children will die before their fifth birthday.

"Millions more who do survive will not go to school, and will grow up to lead lives of abject poverty and frequent hunger."

He echoed the words of the Prime Minister saying that these problems were the 'fundamental moral challenge of our generation'.

But he added that there were 'signs of hope' because there was more democracy than before and more governments trying to 'do the right thing by their people.'

The report will be discussed at the G8 summit in Scotland later this year.

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