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South Sudan Civil Society Organizations are urging the International Community to ensure that some of the funds from the Oslo Donors Conference reach local NGOs.

Last week, the Norwegian government and UN-OCHA organized a humanitarian conference on South Sudan.

Donors pledged to offer $600 million for humanitarian intervention in the country.

The conference was attended by government officials and members of the civil society.

The Executive Director of Rural Action Against Hunger, Henry Taban, told the press that the money from the donors should not be channeled only to international aid organizations.

Mr. Taban said local NGOs would also like to access some of the funds.

“We are requesting that this time with this pledges that have been made, if they have been translated into real commitment, we would like at least some adjustment,” he said.

“We are going to negotiate and coordinate and lobby with the UNOCHA and our partners in the International Community to see that….if the UN agencies are taking 60% or even 50%, then the other 50% should be apportioned equally between the International and the National NGOs.”

Mr. Taban said there are local organizations that have been operating for over 20 years in South Sudan, and have the experience to deliver aid.

The Director of Eve Organization, Rita Martin, said there are areas without the presence of international organizations in the country that the local NGOs can access.

There are over 200 Civil Society groups or National Organizations operating in the country.

“So, we are really calling on the implementation; in monitoring and in designing of programs; the national civil society organizations should be part and parcel of the process.”

The Director of South Sudan Older People Organization, Donato Ochan, urged both parties to the conflict to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement, so that the money pledged by the donors can used to save lives.