Covid-19 and Illicit Financial Flows: What’s to Come

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Even in normal times, there has been a growing recognition of the threat that illicit financial flows (IFFs) pose to the integrity and stability of the global financial system. But now, with the onslaught of the Covid-19 crisis, concerns are growing that the scale and scope of IFFs could be increasing as authorities are distracted and overwhelmed by the unprecedented economic fallout. Such concerns are especially acute in developing countries, many of which are already…

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Transitional Elections and Peacebuilding

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COVID-19 has delayed elections worldwide at an unprecedented rate, which will affect peacebuilding efforts. This policy brief argues that Germany should support national institutions in developing consultation mechanisms between electoral management bodies, public health authorities and other relevant actors and assist in crisis communication to create spaces for dialogue and to counter disinformation.   Read more

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The social dimensions of the Coronavirus outbreak – Podcast by Sonar-Global

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Epicast is a podcast series about epidemics from Sonar-Global. The aim of this podcast is to explore the social dimensions of infectious diseases outbreaks so that we can get better at controlling them. This first will be focusing on the Coronavirus outbreak.   Listen to the podcast

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The Covid-19 Riddle: Why Does the Virus Wallop Some Places and Spare Others?

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The question of why the virus has overwhelmed some places and left others relatively untouched is a puzzle that has spawned numerous theories and speculations but no definitive answers. That knowledge could have profound implications for how countries respond to the virus, for determining who is at risk and for knowing when it’s safe to go out again. This article explores different explanations for this observation.   Read more

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Accountability for COVID-19 Aid: Better Visibility Matters for the Quality of the Response

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As low- and middle-income countries are hit by the health and economic effects of COVID-19, the international community is working to mobilize billions of dollars in grants, loans, and debt relief. Beyond addressing the direct health impacts of COVID-19, routine essential health services must be delivered, health workers protected, and continuity assured in health worker wages. Earlier this month, World Bank experts estimated that sub-Saharan African countries would need up to 3 percent of the…

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How “de-biasing” humanitarian organizations could lead to more gender-equitable programming during COVID-19 and beyond

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This article talks about gendered effects of COVID-19 and how the humanitarian sector could overcome gender biases.   Read more

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The COVID-19 pandemic is shining an unforgiving light on the world’s most vulnerable and marginal people

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This opinion piece argues that the COVID-19 pandemic is shining an unforgiving light on the world’s most vulnerable and marginal people, and that our only hope is that as Governments respond to this looming health crisis, the pandemic can also accelerate their longer-term commitment to protect and assist IDPs who face the greatest risks, and find ways to end the displacement within their borders.   Read more

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COVID-19 and Conflict Sensitivity

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Oxfam’s Conflict Sensitivity guidance for COVID-19 responses aims to support humanitarian response teams to identify potential conflict related risks, undertake rapid context and conflict analyses and to develop conflict sensitive MEAL systems. The guidance is available in English, Arabic, French and Spanish.  

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Ensuring Integrity in Governments’Response to COVID-19

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Governments around the world are designing and implementing rapid responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this effort, they are faced with three extraordinary challenges: (1) a public health emergency to contain the virus including identifying and treating infected populations; (2) widespread food and livelihood insecurity due to mandated stoppage of economic activity and the resulting disruption of food supplies; and (3) adoption of emergency powers to address the crises and maintain public safety. Corruption risks,…

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Are local and international aid worker disparities worsening under COVID-19?

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This article addresses the distinction drawn between the employees who arrive mostly from Western countries, often for time-limited assignments and are called “expats” or “international” staff, and their “local” counterparts, drawn from the country where the response is taking place, and specifically looks at different treatment these employees receive in response to COVID-19.   Read more

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