World Debt Day
16 May 2006
On World Debt Day 2006, Jubilee Debt Campaign is thanking debt activists for the huge impact they have had over the last years and months.
Today, 16th May, is marked as a World Debt Day in the UK and a number of other countries. Exactly 8 years ago today, 70,000 supporters of Jubilee 2000 formed a human chain around the G8 summit in Birmingham, calling for debt cancellation. Ten months ago, 250,000 supporters of Make Poverty History formed a white band around Edinburgh, calling for action on debt, trade and aid. Much has been achieved between and since these dates – and we now know that, with determination, we can achieve even more.
Changes
Last year, the G8 agreed to extend debt cancellation, in a deal that could eventually release up to $50 billion for poverty reduction. A number of African countries will benefit hugely from the deal, and some have already published plans for how they will spend the funds released by debt cancellation: Zambia, for instance, is recruiting 4,500 new teachers, building new schools, increasing funding for HIV/AIDS control programmes, and recruiting new healthcare staff. Your influence
Campaigners were extremely influential in securing this deal – and in making sure that it actually went through without proposed changes that would have weakened it. In a World Debt Day statement released today, Gordon Brown and Hilary Benn recognised the role of campaigners, saying that it was "because of your efforts" that promises on debt were made. Challenges
But there is of course still more to be done! For instance, whilst the UK government acknowledges that more than 40 more countries still need debt cancellation, it is actually granting this to only four. The UK took a lead role in securing substantial debt cancellation for Nigeria – but as part of the deal has just taken £1.7 billion from Nigeria, one of the poorest countries in the world. And debt relief still comes with harmful and undemocratic conditions attached. You can take action to ensure there is further debt relief, for more countries, without damaging conditions. Events
Campaigners around the UK and elsewhere in the world are taking action today. From a conference in Birmingham to petition presentations at the G8 embassies in Nairobi, activists are making their voices heard. Please email us at info@jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk if you would like to share information about your World Debt Day campaigning. Resources
Campaigners who approach the debt campaign from a faith-based perspective have produced inspiring worship resources which can be used on or around (or after!) World Debt Day. Jubilee Debt Campaign also has a variety of campaign resources for use at events and in general campaigning, that you can download and order. Thank you for making a difference.