Publication follows UKRI’s announcement of funding for 20 ‘global engagement networks’
Funders of international development research have published guidance on best practice for preventing and tackling harm and abuse—particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK Collaborative for Development Research published the guidance on 22 April with an aim to enable all those involved in such research to “anticipate, mitigate and address potential and actual harms in the funding, design, delivery and dissemination of research”.
It comprises four key principles: the rights of victims and survivors and whistle-blowers; equity and fairness; transparency; and accountability and good governance.
The document also includes a “companion piece” on the practical application of this guidance during the coronavirus pandemic.
The guidance was developed over the past 18 months in consultation with international development experts around the world.
It follows a joint statement of commitment signed by UK Research and Innovation, the Department for International Development, the Wellcome Trust and others in October 2018, setting out a “zero-tolerance approach” to sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse.
Meanwhile, on 22 April, UKRI announced funding for 20 Global Engagement Networks through its Global Challenges Research Fund.
The networks will bring together UK researchers with collaborators from across the developing world to tackle global challenges and to develop practical solutions on issues such as the plastic pollution and water management in Africa, and hurricane recovery in the Caribbean.
“Equal partnerships are the cornerstone of the Global Challenges Research Fund—with researchers from the UK working alongside researchers from developing countries to share ideas and expertise to solve global challenges,” said Andrew Thompson, UKRI international champion.
“These new networks have equitability at their heart and are led by researchers from across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.”