How much does it cost to stop a cycle of violence in South Sudan? It’s less than you might think…

Sylvia BrownConflict, Fragile contexts, Innovation

What’s the biggest barrier to community-led peacebuilding in South Sudan? Often, it’s simply that volunteer peacebuilders can’t get the transport they need to reach the warring parties. In a blog for the International Day for Living Together in Peace, Sylvia Brown explains how an investment of just $28,000 can calm an inter-community conflict – and protect lives and livelihoods.

Low costs, high risks, and empty promises? The price of oil in East Africa

Andrew BograndClimate Change, Land rights, Natural Resources

If constructed, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) would become the world’s longest heated pipeline. Communities that will be impacted are worried about their land, money, environment, and future. Oxfam is urging project developers and the governments of Uganda and Tanzania to listen to these communities and take immediate action.

Resilience in South Sudan: surviving today, hope for tomorrow

Jessica Fullwood-ThomasGender, Humanitarian

Jess Fullwood-Thomas reports back from South Sudan on Oxfam’s work with local partners rebuilding livelihoods, tackling gender inequality and promoting good governance. I’ve recently returned from South Sudan where Oxfam is supporting communities to cope with the ongoing crisis that has left four million people displaced and thousands killed. The last four years have decimated a country that only a …

Women’s rights in South Sudan: how do you empower women in a country in conflict?

Tim BierleyConflict, Gender

[buzzsprout episode=’2559229′ player=’true’] How do you help empower women in a conflict zone? In South Sudan, Oxfam is pushing to help women make money through agriculture and small businesses, with the aim of boosting their ability to claim their rights in the household and community. In this podcast Anne Daniel Ali, Director-General of the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare …

Keeping education alive in South Sudan

Martin LubajoFragile contexts, General, Youth

‘Our country had suffered from war and under-development for generations, but we knew education could help us find a better path’. Martin Lubajo shares his journey from refugee in Uganda to teacher and trainer in South Sudan, striving to ensure that children do not miss out on their education even amid the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis. In 2009, I …

Why partnerships are vital to our work in South Sudan

Tim BierleyConflict, General, Humanitarian

From borehole drilling to peacebuilding Oxfam partners in South Sudan are responding to people’s needs in ways that only local organisations could. Tim Bierley reflects on the strengths of Oxfam’s South Sudan partnerships. There’s risk of a cholera outbreak on islands deep into the Sudd, South Sudan. People are relying on the often-contaminated swamp for their drinking water. New boreholes …

Using geographic information systems in humanitarian response

Laura EldonGeneral, Humanitarian, ICT4D

Laura Eldon reflects on the potential of geographic information systems to help humanitarians, and introduces case studies from South Sudan and Tanzania. When a conflict or disaster strikes Oxfam responds rapidly to protect and save lives. To do this effectively we need to understand where the greatest needs are, plan and monitor our response activities, and coordinate with other actors …

Water tankers and bicycles: a lifeline in South Sudan

Mariana Matoso, PhDWater, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Around 80% of Juba’s population relies on tankers and bicycle vendors for water. But as prices have soared, amid ongoing conflict and instability, water has become unaffordable. Oxfam has set up two initiatives working within the existing market to ensure the poorest can access clean water, as Mariana Matoso explains. Drinking water is a premium commodity in Juba. Since the …

Podcast: Protecting civilians in conflict

Rachel HastieConflict, Humanitarian, Protection

[buzzsprout episode=’2559253′ player=’true’] As a result of conflict, the world today is faced with huge challenges in protecting civilians. In Yemen, Syria and South Sudan, infrastructures have been destroyed and thousands of people are forced to flea, or face the risks of disease, famine or harm. NGOs and relief agencies play a large role in the protection of civilians, from …