Civil Society

Mercy Corps believes that responses to emergencies and development must, at their core, focus on strengthening the bonds between the public, private and civic sectors. Our approach aims to build and improve societal relations based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, accountability and participation.

Blog Post: A chance for the people of Zimbabwe ›

Country: Zimbabwe

This week I had the honor of testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Zimbabwe, along with a range of distinguished representatives.

Blog Post: 'I have never seen a place as poor as this' ›

Country: Central African Republic

I am writing from the Central African Republic, a land-locked country slightly smaller than Texas — and the second poorest country on Earth.

One Table: Women take the lead ›

Country: Liberia

It’s not just the UN or farmers or the government improving food security in Liberia. Some of the most creative and effective efforts are by local women’s organisations.

Video: CNN's 'Generation Islam' Puts Youth in the Lead ›

Country: West Bank/Gaza

CNN's Christiane Amanpour interviews youth in Gaza who participate in Mercy Corps' Global Citizen Corps in her Special Report, "Generation Islam."

Blog Post: A tale of nights and days in New Orleans ›

Country: United States

On a recent trip, staffer Laus Mwakalebela learned that there’s nothing wrong with experiencing New Orleans by night, but it’s essential to come back by day and help rebuild the city's future.

Blog Post: Shining a light on Africa's kleptocracies ›

President Obama's recent speech in Ghana reminds us how the unfortunate tradition of African big men to "exploit the economy to enrich themselves" is hindering progress on the continent.

Blog Post: Sustainable civil society in Sudan ›

Country: Sudan

The success of our initiatives in Sudan will come from the creation of self-sustaining local organisations that provide hope and support to Sudanese communities.

Blog Post: My meeting with Vice President Biden ›

Country: Iraq

Last Friday, I participated in a small roundtable discussion with Vice President Biden, General Odierno, two ambassadors and a Sheikh to discuss reconciliation in Iraq.

Blog Post: Opportune dialogue in Honduras ›

Country: Honduras

As the political crisis in Honduras continues, Mercy Corps Programme Supervisor Carlos Soto remembers the importance of proposing solutions, not fighting.