9. How do we prevent future debt crises?

We need economic justice - covering debt, trade, aid, tax, etc - and responsible financing in the future.

There must be international action to ensure that we never return to a debt crisis like the one which has now been crushing poor countries for decades.

After the 'clean slate' of cancellation of unjust ('illegitimate') and unpayable debts, this will mean firstly that there must be just trade rules, a just tax system, and sufficient, high-quality aid – with a bias towards grants not loans – so that countries are not forced back into indebtedness.

It also means that any future loans should be given responsibly, on fair terms, and in a transparent way which is open to scrutiny by parliaments, media and citizens. Any loans given on unjust terms should be considered the responsibility of the creditor and therefore eligible for cancellation in future.

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