Why a “humanitarian pause” or “humanitarian corridors” are simply not the answer in Gaza

Richard StanforthConflict, Emergency, Humanitarian

Why are Oxfam and other humanitarian organisations not welcoming calls for corridors, pauses and so-called “safe zones” to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza? Richard Stanforth and Magnus Corfixen explain – and set out why a ceasefire is the only credible solution.

Five ways to tackle discrimination against Roma people displaced by war in Ukraine

Padmini IyerRacial justice, Refugees and IDPs, Research

Powerful, first-hand accounts and evidence gathered by local NGOs show how Roma fleeing Ukraine’s war have been frozen out of the support offered to many other refugees. Padmini Iyer and Sarah Redd introduce a new report that reveals the scale of discrimination facing Roma seeking refuge – and set out five actions that could transform their lives.

Amid the hostility to Roma refugees, an act of compassion

Padmini IyerConflict, Refugees and IDPs, Research

When Nadia went into labour just two weeks after fleeing Ukraine for Poland, local people rushed to her help. But Oxfam’s research shows that such acts of kindness are still too rare in a refugee response often blighted by anti-Roma discrimination, says Padmini Iyer in a blog for World Refugee Day.

How clean water can flow from peace in Yemen

Fayad Al-DerwishConflict, Water, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Last year’s truce in Yemen opened a window for Oxfam to establish a water supply to thousands in a conflict-hit border area. Now, says Fayad Al-Derwish, we desperately need that truce renewed to change the lives of many more people living without basic services

East Africa vs Ukraine: two tragedies, two very different responses

Duncan GreenDrought, Food security, Humanitarian

East Africa is facing its second hunger crisis in a decade, yet it barely registers in the news, and the international system is failing… How did the humanitarian system end up in this mess? Duncan Green on the stark messages from the new Oxfam/Save The Children paper, Dangerous Delay 2, a follow-up to the briefing Dangerous Delay, which warned of the need for change back in 2012

A user-centred handwashing kit for emergencies

Foyeke TolaniEmergencies, Innovation, WASH Impact Series, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Foyeke Tolani, Public Health Promotion Adviser and Project Coordinator, describes how a collaboration with a UK school sparked the process of developing Oxfam’s innovative new handwashing kit. For over a decade, we had been exploring handwashing kit options to replace the Tippy Tap. The Tippy Tap requires lots of promotion for sustained use, and as a device it is not …