The Democratic Governance and Stabilization Programme help South Sudan as it builds democratic institutions and achieve sustainable, accountable and transparent governance and rule of law systems. VARD has dedicated significant human, technical and financial resources to improving the performance of government institutions and processes. State-building is at the heart of VARD’s dedication to South Sudan.
A key state-building strategy employed by VARD has been helping the government to identify its core functions. These core functions include ramped-up support to key areas such as rule of law, public finance management, public administration and the management of natural resources. VARD supports research and discussion on customary law at the community level.
In-depth (These need the biggest update)
VARD has committed to work with government institutions at improving the performance of processes. State-building is at the heart of VARD’s dedication to South Sudan. The Democratic Governance and Stabilization Programme supports South Sudan as it builds democratic institutions and establishes sustainable, accountable, and transparent governance and rule of law systems through the following projects:
Access to Justice and Rule of Law
VARD’s engagement in this area seeks to enhance physical and legal protection of people and communities, ensuring legal representation, access to justice, and empowerment of communities and civil society. Programs work to develop capacities of justice and law enforcement institutions, and ensure that security providers are subject to civilian oversight. Emphasis is placed on tackling sexual and gender-based violence in situations affected by conflict and fragility.
The Peace and Community Cohesion project
Peace and Community Cohesion project seeks to contribute to the reduction and mitigation of community level conflict and insecurity by initiating initiatives that address key drivers of conflict and insecurity. Using VARD’s community security and social cohesion approach, the project empowers communities to identify in an inclusive and participatory manner the roots of conflicts in their communities, and using an integrated and gender- sensitive approach, support the communities to effectively prevent, manage and resolve conflict in a non-violent manner.
Support to Democracy and Participation
VARD work with other UN agency, civil society, media, and faith-based organizations to establish mechanisms for discussion on a national vision, civil rights and political governance in the context of constitutional review and deepening democratic governance. The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) undertake civic education programmes, conducted research, organized public debates and published policy briefs on pertinent political governance issues.
Climate change
We are helping community to adapt the climate change today and tomorrow. Extreme weather is destroying homes and wrecking lives and it’s hitting the people who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. When disaster strikes, VARD, partners and volunteers get there fast, combating the effects of weather events like floods and droughts, to save lives.
We take part by being part of testing and distribution of new innovations like drought-resistant seeds, reinforced homes, new adaptable agricultural systems and training on how to grow new crops mean the people most at risk from the effects of climate change.
Women and gender justice
Harmful gender norms as a result of a patriarchal culture have left women in South Sudan marginalized and even excluded from participating at any level of decision-making or political activity. This is especially true in the countryside, which tends to be even more traditional.
VARD is helping raise women’s voices and demand equality by stepping in to leadership roles, speak out against harmful laws and policies, and stand up for their rights. We also offer training of women to help whole communities grow more food and make goods that they can market themselves, and break free from poverty.
