Oxfam and Arup

Global sustainable development consultancy, Arup, and Oxfam have partnered since 2018 to help strengthen and improve the quality of technical, on-the-ground solutions for essential services that communities need most – from developing best practice in sanitation management for refugee settlements to ensuring safe drinking water flows in even the most challenging contexts.

Arup members provide pro-bono support through their engineering expertise to help address complex problems, working alongside Oxfam teams to develop and test innovative solutions for communities facing today’s biggest challenges – from climate change to conflict and displacement.

Since 2018, Oxfam and Arup have worked together on a diverse range of projects in Yemen, Uganda, Bangladesh, and Kenya. In 2018, Oxfam and Arup collaborated to explore best practice faecal sludge treatment solutions for a Rohingya refugee settlement at Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, identifying the most effective solution for managing waste and ensuring healthier outcomes for around 700,000 people displaced by conflict.

The study has given a clear steer for management of toilet systems in similar emergencies around the globe. In 2022 in Yemen, Arup conducted a design review of a wastewater network in the city of Aden (which had been considerably damaged during the conflict). The rehabilitation of the water network will result in safe water being supplied to more than 350,000 individuals.

Sharing knowledge and learnings to strengthen technical capacity throughout the humanitarian sector is key to the partnership. Together, we host workshops and training based on the experience of our work together.

More information on Arup's website

Blog post: How can we manage toilets better in emergencies?