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The issue of states in fragile and post-conflict situations has increasingly been on the radar of the international community for the past 15 years, both on the research and policy sides. Research has made huge progress in analysing the causes and impacts of fragility, and in recommending responses. On the side of practitioners, the international community has strived to adapt and expand policies, instruments and mechanisms in order to respond more effectively to this challenge.
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There are numerous experiences of contracting out in the health sector throughout the developing world as well as in post-conflict and fragile states. The health sector has provided leadership at the global level of government contracting out services to the non-government sector, and is an excellent starting point for fragile states in the process of rebuilding their country’s infrastructure and work force and regaining the confidence of their citizens.
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This chapter outlines the options for security and justice service delivery by non-state actors in the post-colonial state. The report is divided into four sections. The report outlines challenges and options and offers recommendations to the development community, by which it can support the postcolonial fragile state to strengthen the delivery of justice and security to all its citizens.
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This chapter explores a number of examples of contracting out in Southern Sudan. The lessons elaborated in this report stem from a number of sectors, including public procurement and health. Several important recommendations are drawn, which can support other post-conflict and fragile states to strengthen the delivery of government services to their citizens.
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This chapter explores a number of examples of contracting out in Afghanistan. The lessons elaborated in this report stem from a number of sectors, including finance, aid effectiveness and justice. Several important recommendations are drawn, which can support other post-conflict and fragile states to strengthen the delivery of government services to their citizens.
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This chapter presents one alternative to traditional public service provision: the Independent Service Authority. After an exploration of the ‘inherited’ model that continues to be used in Africa, an argument is made for an innovative approach to improve the delivery of services. By outlining the advantages of this model and describing how it could be put into practice, this report aims to provide post-conflict and fragile states with a new method for service delivery.
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Given current international debates about state building and adherence to “do no harm” principles, an exploration of the potential and pitfalls of contracting out state functions is timely. Often contracting out is presented as an interim or transitional strategy – urgent functions are performed by external agencies while state capacity is developed to take on these functions over time.
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