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Can't Afford to Wait: Why Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation plans in Asia are still failing millions of people

November 4, 2014

Climate-related disasters and food crises are devastating thousands of lives and holding back development across Asia. A year on from the devastating super-typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Oxfam is calling for governments across Asia to increase efforts to address these challenges - and for them to be backed by regional and global institutions and with fair contributions from wealthy countries. Greater investment is needed in development that is resilient to climate change and disasters, and more effective assistance is needed for those at risk. Without it, disasters on the scale of super-typhoon Haiyan could fast become the norm, not the exception.

On the Home Stretch: Why Australia must use its final months on the UN Security Council to advance the rights and safety of civilians

May 13, 2014

This report reflects on Australia's achievements on the UN Security Council to date and the areas on which Australia should focus over the next 8 months in order to leave a positive and lasting impact. It focuses particularly on Australia's efforts in advancing the protection of civilians and promoting the control of small arms and light weapons. It considers Australia's role in helping to broker a diplomatic breakthrough on humanitarian access in Syria, and acknowledges its efforts to promote women's rights in the most recent resolution on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. In spite of these achievements, 'On the Home Stretch' highlights the rapid deterioration of security in a number of countries over the past year and a continuing gap between the Security Council's stated commitments to the protection of civilians and the appalling reality on the ground. The report recommends how Australia can use its final months on the Council to address this implementation gap and make a real difference for people caught up in conflict.'On the Home Stretch' follows on from the 2012 Oxfam Australia report 'Off the Bench', launched just after Australia won its Security Council seat.

Afghanistan at a Crossroads: Recommendations for the UN Security Council on the 2014 UNAMA mandate

January 28, 2014

As Afghanistan prepares for presidential elections and the withdrawal of international forces, insecurity continues to spread across the country, with a devastating impact on civilians. The role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in advancing human rights, supporting humanitarian access and promoting peace and reconciliation efforts must be strengthened - particularly as it relates to the agenda on women, peace and security in Afghanistan. It is critical that the significant gains that have been made in the last decade are not lost.This briefing outlines the key concerns of civil society organizations in Afghanistan and puts forward suggested action for the consideration of UN Security Council members.