Swedish government has new policy to assist Sudan
June 28, 2008 (STOCKHOLM) –The government of Suede announced a new strategy for development aid to Sudan last Thursday. The new Swedish policy means to promote democracy, human rights and national unity.
The Government today adopted Sweden’s new strategy for development cooperation with Sudan for the period 2008-2011. The strategy is aiming at promoting peaceful development, respect for human rights, democratic governance, lasting reconciliation and national unity in Sudan.
The focus of Sweden’s development cooperation with Sudan is to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement reached in January 2005. Support is to be directed mainly towards the reconstruction of southern Sudan, but support will also be given to the implementation of the peace agreement in eastern Sudan signed in October 2007.
Swedish support will target peace-building and democratisation, as well as improvements in social policy, with an emphasis on health and medical care. Support to Darfur has so far been primarily of a humanitarian nature.
“With this strategy, reconstruction in Darfur can quickly be initiated as soon as the security and political conditions allow,” the Swedish foreign ministry said.
“In several respects, the strategy is ground-breaking for Swedish development cooperation in conflict and post-conflict countries. The strategy has a flexibility allowing consideration to be given to developments on the ground.
Moreover, it is clearly focused on strengthening women’s participation in peace-building and reconstruction work, as well as in democratic decision-making processes,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
(ST)