Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Oxfam urges NGOs to mull exit strategies

Oxfam urges NGOs to mull exit strategies

Oxfam urges NGOs to mull exit strategies

Oxfam International, one of the first aid groups to work in Cambodia post-Khmer Rouge, has urged the hundreds of international NGOs (INGO) still operating in the country to consider their future roles and possible exit strategies.

Speaking at the launch of two new research reports yesterday – a political economy analysis of “civic space” and a study on the future role of INGOs here – the group said that recent sociopolitical changes as a result of the last election meant the time was ripe for reflection.

“If we INGOs are not thinking about our role in the future, we are not helping Cambodia,” said Sophavy Ty, an Oxfam program director.

The INGO study says that while such groups still have an important role to play, the development situation that drew about 450 INGOs to the Kingdom in the first place – Cambodians desperately in need of basic assistance – has changed.

“Phasing out”, it stresses, could mean nationalising operations or handing over to local NGOs or the government, rather than just walking away.

“Things are not the same as they used to be, and we really need to examine how we are working, what our focus areas are and how [we can] reflect backwards and look forwards,” said Carol Mortensen, an independent consultant that prepared the report.

“We should know as an international NGO what our definition of success is.… And when we get to that end goal, what will that mean?

“International NGOs should not be looking for a lifelong job in any country, and Cambodia is the same.”

But World Vision, one of the world’s largest NGOs, said that while it “understands deeply” the dramatic changes that have taken place in Cambodia and has changed its working methods in response, the country remains one of the poorest in the world.

“While malnutrition in children under 5 hangs static at 40 per cent, and more than 230,000 children are forcibly involved in the worst forms of child labour . . . and while 50 per cent of children by grade 6 are functionally illiterate … we will focus on the job at hand,” Chris Macqueen, director of strategy and evidence at the Cambodia office, said.

“When these startling statistics are much lower, then, we will be at a place to start looking at organisational phase-out and transition strategies.”

US Embassy spokesman Jay Raman said that working with local NGOs was important for USAID and that close to 18 per cent of its budget had been given to local groups this year.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan said that he believed that INGOs had reached their goals in terms of helping to put local groups on a strong footing to advocate for human rights and democracy.

But in areas like health, education or economic development, “the government still needs [INGOs], they cannot just walk away”, he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the