The people of the Southern Caucasus are coming to a crossroads and a moment for choices.
Thirteen years after gaining independence from the Soviet Union, nearly half of the population of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia (collectively referred to as 'the Southern Caucasus' in this note) are still living below respective national poverty lines (World Bank, 2003). The provision of basic services has virtually ground to a halt in some regions, unemployment is high, and for many it is hard to find even a day's work.
During the last 10 years, the enormous human and natural resources of the Southern Caucasus have been wasted by conflict and the collapse of social services. Despite relatively steady economic growth, benefits have been unfairly distributed between rich and poor people, with widespread corruption and the abuse of power leading to instability.
In 2000, the three countries signed up to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - international targets for reducing global poverty. This commitment to poverty alleviation presents a major opportunity which must be seized in order to improve the lives of citizens. To do this, there is a need for the development of dependable and accountable institutions which will deliver reform.
Oxfam calls on national governments, the international community, and civil-society organisations to work together to make the best policy decisions and choices about public expenditure to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable people.
