MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY in 2005

Jubilee Debt Campaign is playing a central role in MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY, a unique alliance of campaigning groups, charities, unions, faith communities and celebrities. Together, we are demanding that in 2005 the UK and other governments drop the debt, end injustice in international trade, and deliver more and more effective aid.

In 2005, a unique combination of opportunities will give the UK an unprecedented opportunity to influence international action on poverty and injustice. The UK will host G7 Finance Ministers' meetings in February and June, the G8 summit in July, and take on presidency of the European Union. MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY has issued a direct challenge to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to use these opportunities to change damaging UK policies and press for international action on debt, trade and aid. Everyone can take part in this campaign, and help make history in 2005. Visit www.makepovertyhistory.org for more information and to send your own challenge to the Prime Minister.

MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is the UK mobilisation of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. 2005 will see a truly worldwide effort where groups from countries on every continent will come together at key moments to demand an end to poverty and injustice. The Global Call to Action Against Poverty will draw this activity together in a movement that world leaders will not be able to ignore.

The crushing and unfair burden of debt, the gross injustice of international trade and the abject failure to deliver aid in the most effective way and at the levels which governments promised more than 30 years ago, condemns millions to unnecessary suffering and death. Every day, poverty kills 30,000 people. At a time when we are stunned by the unexpected deaths of tens of thousands in the Asian tsunami, and rightly providing substantial emergency assistance, we must not forget the predicted - and preventable - deaths of as many people every week because of poverty. Together, in 2005, we can stop this. Please take action on debt now.

The symbol of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty is a white band, which can be worn as a wristband, or used in symbolic actions throughout 2005. You can find out more about the campaign, order a wristband online, or take action at www.makepovertyhistory.org.