For a week this month I visited South Sudan with the International Development Select Committee. South Sudan is the world’s youngest country but one of the poorest. With the DIFD Select Committee I met with the people working hard to build a strong country from almost nothing.
On other DFID trips I have seen devastating poverty in India, Rwanda and the Congo but nothing compares to what we saw in South Sudan. A country so torn apart from fighting, that even the most basic infrastructure does not exist. Schools are literally students congregating around a tree being taught by illiterate teachers. It has the worst public health record I have ever known with one midwife serving 30,000 women and only 5 trained doctors available to a population on 2 million.
The people have been traumatised by war and fighting. It is a nation of refugees with many more South Sudanese still living in other countries; 700,000 are still living in Sudan and hoping to return.
The aid effort was assembled only a few months ago, a DFID team of 25 very committed and hardworking staff has grown and we are delivering aid and assistance in a variety of ways. This Government has allocated £100 million in aid and all the major NGOs in the world are in the country doing all they can to help create a safe and sustainable country.
Whilst there is much effort in providing food and medical care the UK are helping on other ways. We are providing experts to advise on how a Government Cabinet should work and how a Civil Service can operate effectively. Police officers are also providing advice on human and appropriate arrest procedures and how to enforce human rights.
Long before the British Government and NGOs arrived, the people of South Sudan were predominantly supported by a vast and dedicated network of Christian organisations who have made considerable efforts to help those living in unimaginable poverty. I know for example, that Watford Community Church’s donation of Bibles were greatly appreciated. They have made a substantial impact on quality of life and will continue to do so, working alongside other official aid bodies.
For me, who has always been a strong advocate of Foreign Aid, this will be the ultimate test of whether it can work. There is a relatively blank canvas, limited government reduces likelihood of corruption, and a very basic start from which to grow. If aid cannot succeed in creating a sustainable future for the people and country of South Sudan, than I shall reluctantly join the number of people who oppose the provision of aid. For now I remain an optimist, for the people of South Sudan and the potential for British Aid creating a brighter future for them.