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OSIL – Partners in Relief and Development is an independent, registered non-governmental, and non-profit relief and development organization operating across South Sudan. The organization is defined by its grassroots-centered, environmentally conservative, and sustainability-focused livelihood approach, which positions OSIL as a leader in contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation.

History and Formation

In 1996, following the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army/Movement’s unilateral declaration banning the use of landmines, and the Kegilo Conference led by the New Sudan Council of Churches, OSIL was formed. The conference was attended by the Government of Sudan, Civil Society/International Organizations, and the leadership of the Liberation Authority (SPLM/A), which discussed the massive existence of landmines across SPLA-liberated areas, referred to as the Civil Authority of New Sudan (CANS). This led to the creation of OSIL. Additionally, the Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment, signed by SPLA/M in October 2001, mandated the total ban of anti-personnel landmines by Non-State Actors (NSAs), enhancing OSIL’s role. OSIL’s involvement extended beyond demining, focusing on various socio-economic and livelihood needs.

South Sudan’s Independence and OSIL’s Expansion

With South Sudan gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, OSIL was able to fully operate across the country, responding to the high demand for its services. The violence in 2013 and 2016 led to significant socio-economic hardships, including the inaccessibility of farms/fields and roads due to landmines, food insecurity, poor health (including water, sanitation, nutrition, GBV, and psychosocial issues), the breakdown of social fabric, and the vulnerability of education. These challenges called for OSIL to expand its programming, covering a wide range of interventions, including:

• Mine Risk Education (MRE) and demining
• Micro-nutrition, Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI), and school feeding
• Agricultural education and related services (such as seeds provision, cash for crops, and animal husbandry)
• Civic education and humanitarian responses to stateless and returning populations
• Maternal and child health, family planning, abortion services, and sexual reproductive health & rights
• Peace advocacy, healing, and reconciliation

Partnerships and Recognition

Although relatively new in the development arena, OSIL has established strong partnerships with national and international organizations, thanks to the linkages of its members with various funding agencies. These include:

• NGO-Forum

• National Action Mine Authority

• Government of South Sudan

• Mine Advisory Group (MAG)

• UNOPS

• UNDP

• CIDA

• UNIMAS

• UNICEF

• DFID

• DCA

• CHF

• Australia-Aid

• US-Vitamin Angel

• IPCA

• FHF

With over two decades of operations, OSIL is recognized for its pioneering efforts in MRE and demining. The organization has also earned UN accreditation and received a certificate from the NGO-Forum for its best practices.

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