Archives for September 6, 2011

Getting it right from the start

September 6, 2011

Amidst jubilant celebration, the new Republic of South Sudan entered the international stage in July 2011, albeit as one of the least developed countries in the world. The challenges and opportunities are enormous, and donors, the government, implementing agencies and most importantly the people of South Sudan have a lot at stake – but much more to gain. This paper presents ten area for action based on the experience of NGOs operating in South Sudan and lessons learnt during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement interim period. Donors must prioritise them in the first years of the country’s independence so as toensure the best possible results for the people of South Sudan.

Download file:

Getting it right from the start_FINAL010911-GS embargo.pdf

Our neighbours need help tackling poverty

September 6, 2011

Opinion piece published in the New Zealand Herald by Oxfam’s Executive Director Barry Coates. Despite the Pacific’s reputation as a region of beaches and abundance, there is no place further from the internationally agreed poverty reduction targets under the Millennium Development Goals – by this measure the Pacific is on par with sub-Saharan Africa.

Don’t squander the chance to build a better South Sudan

September 6, 2011

A coalition of 38 aid agencies today called on donors not to squander the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people of South Sudan, the world’s newest nation. The call came as new violence in Jonglei state increased emergency needs. In a joint report, the aid agencies, which include Oxfam, World Vision and the South Sudan Law Society, said it was vital that donors get their priorities for tackling poverty right from the start. The report outlines key priorities for donors working to improve lives in South Sudan.