South Sudan’s first birthday has come and gone. A stage has
been set for its success; however its government struggles to establish the
means for it to succeed. The building of internal infrastructures is the
capstone for beginning an independent nation. Major issues derive from tensions
between Sudan and South Sudan preventing strong institutions to propel both
nations into stability. United Nations put a deadline for Sudan and South Sudan
to resolve major military and economic issues by August 2nd. However
this deadline has passed and the two independent nations remain deadlock in
conversations about peace with one another. Following UN resolution 2046 from
May 2, 2012, the United Nations now calls upon Secretary Ban Ki-Moon to resolve
several issues between the two countries by September 2nd of this
year. This established treaty specifies the need for Sudan and South Sudan to
demilitarize their respective borders especially along the Abyei areas. Another
major diplomatic move through UN Resolution 2047 calls for help by the UNMISS
to aid in the demilitarization and increased security on the borders between
these nations.
It also focuses
on resolve for oil revenue allocations between the two countries. While
approximately 75% of the oil runs through South Sudan, pipes run through Sudan.
Sudan demands 50-50 for revenue however South Sudan looks for numbers more
representative of where the oil reserves lie. To exacerbate the situation regarding
oil revenues, there have been accusations of stealing oil and no compromise in
oil transportation tariffs. Safety along the borders would help peacemaking in
oil revenue issues.
In considering the bright spotlight on South Sudan and Sudan
to grow and come to terms with their independence, it is unfortunate to find
continued strife between national governments. With almost a year of
discussions, the people of both nations suffer in grim conditions, always living
for the sake of survival, if that. The number of refugees moving from Sudan to South
Sudan steadily rises. This is coupled with increasing distension of food
shortages across the region. The United Nations and fellow partnering
organizations, like Oxfam, are focusing on the deteriorating health issues.
Soap, water, food and mosquito nets are among the top distribution items for
refugees, many of them children. Children are at high risk of malnutrition,
respiratory infection, malaria, and diarrhea. Conditions aggravated by the
political and economic strife inflict wounds on the weakest of the population.
Oxfam, whose presence in Sudan since 1983 creates a positive
impact on the citizens, strives to provide humanitarian effort. Long term assistance
development embanks the Oxfam work to give people the opportunity to become
resilient against food shortages and lack of help from the government. Projects
include urbanization, educational programs, and help against famine and
drought. With the influx of refugees shifting from Sudan to South Sudan and
economic strain, support of these two nations by Oxfam and UN is essential to
the people. Humanitarian efforts are only made possible by volunteers,
donations and awareness. With Hunger Banquets and ACT FAST events, a concerned
citizen in any city can help in aiding citizens of South Sudan and Sudan. You
can change the world if you start here. In our action corps
we strive to continue building a community for awareness and action. You can
even organize your own ACT FAST event! Visit the Oxfam webpage to learn more.
And keep in touch with us. Together we can support each other to change our
world.
Oxfam ACT FAST http://actfast.oxfamamerica.org/
-Megan Nakra
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