Special Report: Sudan National Reconcilation

    UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The international community needs to refocus on south Sudan and increase support for its recovery and development, UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said Tuesday.

    Speaking at the third meeting of the Sudan Consortium in Oslo, Norway, Migiro said the international community needs to increase efforts in south Sudan to "improve security and living standards, rebuild infrastructure, advance disarmament and demobilization, strengthen the rule of law, and to create secure conditions in the country."

    Despite some improvements, such as the return of thousands of refugees, and the significant increase in the number of children going to primary school in south Sudan, "much more needs to be done," said Migiro.

    "A unique but narrow window of opportunity exists, which, if grasped, can help Sudan ... achieve a lasting and broad-based peace."

    The Sudan Consortium, established in 2005 after a comprehensive peace agreement was signed to end more than two decades of civil war, brings governments and civil society organizations from around the world together to support the country.