Using Sphere for advocacy in Sierra Leone,
2001
Background
Amongst other activities in Sierra Leone, Oxfam Great
Britain (GB) provides water and sanitation for approximately 35,000 internally
displaced people (IDPs) in Kenema district, Eastern Province. These IDPs
are located in five camps in the district, approximately 30,000 of whom
are living in two large, unplanned camps in a peri-urban setting adjacent
to privately-held land. As the agency responsible for sanitation, Oxfam
is continually closing and re-opening new pit latrines to keep up with
demand.
The problem
Oxfam GB is not responsible, however, for providing
the land for new latrines. This responsibility lies with the camp management
agency, and with the National Commission for Rehabilitation, Reconstruction,
and Reintegration (NCRRR), the government body through which the camp
management agency negotiates land access. Oxfam GB was in the difficult
position of having to provide latrines for a needy population but without
being able to access the land to do so.
How Sphere was used
Oxfam GB has used the Sphere handbook as a lobbying
tool in its advocacy with the camp management agency and the NCRRR, both
of whom recognise the objectivity of the latrine standards and the handbook's
wider legitimacy. As a result, Oxfam GB has been able to demonstrate that
it cannot meet its obligation to the IDP population unless NCRRR and the
camp management agency fulfil their responsibility to provide adequate
land for latrine facilities.
Lessons learned
The Sphere handbook acknowledges that it is not always
immediately possible to provide one toilet per 20 people or family. This
has been Oxfam GB's experience in Sierra Leone, where despite considerable
advocacy efforts, land access continues to be problematic and the number
of latrines provided is below the minimum required. However, Oxfam GB
has been able to meet needs appropriate to the context, ensuring, that
'sufficient numbers of toilets are available and that every person can
identify and gain access to a toilet when necessary.' (Sphere handbook
p. 39).
The Sphere handbook provides agencies with an important
tool to advocate on behalf of the beneficiaries. Although this is likely
to be a process that takes time and persistence, the Sphere minimum standards
provide an objective yardstick that can be used by all agencies.
Contact: Erik Johnson. Email: oxfambo@oxfam.org.uk
Or Wael Ibrahim. Email: cpm.oxft@sierratel.sl
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