This report was commissioned by the IDC and has been edited for public release at their request.

This report commissioned by the International Development Committee of the UK parliament describes the current status of the Millennium Development Goals and how they are being used by the UK Department for International Development.

The paper outlines their origins and uses; discusses how likely it is that each will be met and goes on to review their strengths and weaknesses as the basis for target-setting and policy-making.