Make Poverty History – into 2006
2005 was labelled the year to Make Poverty History, and saw the mobilisation of millions of people across the world in support of three key objectives:
- Reduced Debt
- More and Better Aid
- Improved Trade
Significant events occurred – particularly around the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in July (accompanied by the Make Poverty History march in Edinburgh and the Live 8 Concerts), and the WTO round of trade talks in Hong Kong in December.
Major progress was made towards reducing debt. 18 countries had their debts cancelled, amounting to $1bn per year in funds released to fight poverty, and 20 more countries could become eligible under the same deal. Nigeria alone had $18bn of debt cancelled, although there are still major concerns over some aspects of the agreement.
On aid, the G8 summit signalled an extra $48 billion a year by 2010, which included between $15 and $20 billion of new commitments. If this promise is kept and delivered without imposing economic conditions, millions of lives could be saved. Fifteen member countries of the EU, including the UK, have set themselves the goal of reaching the UN target of a minimum of 0.7% of GDP by 2015.
Trade was the most disappointing aspect of 2005 – the WTO failed to agree to reduce the huge dependence of the EU and US on agricultural subsidies, and these continue to have a detrimental effect on developing countries.
The campaign did not stop at the end of 2005, it continues until poverty is truly history, looking forward to a time when 30 000 people do not die each day from preventable causes.
There are ways you can help in 2006: many agencies, including those with a Christain voice such as Christian Aid, World Vision, Jubilee Scotland, Cafod and Tear Fund continue to collaborate in the Make Poverty History campaign. Visit www.makepovertyhistory.org/keepcampaigning/ to find out how you can best make a difference.
