World Debt Day marked around the world

World Debt Day was marked by events in countries across the world, from Australia to Zambia - all demanding an end to debt slavery.

World Debt Day 2005, on 16 May, fell exactly seven years after 70,000 supporters of Jubilee 2000 gathered at the G8 summit in Birmingham to demand action on debt, and seven weeks before the G8 returns to the UK for the first time since then. Activists in a number of countries used the day as an opportunity to raise awareness, and call on those in power to wipe out debt.

In Kenya, activists began a week of action, including a letter-writing campaign to Tony Blair as chair of the G8; debt clinics in slum areas; a press conference; 'debt sports'; and other educational and awareness-raising events.

In Zambia, campaigners connected to Jubilee Zambia held a whole range of activities, including marches and street theatre around the country, discussions with government officials, debates and a live TV discussion.

In the UK, campaigners wrote letters to Tony Blair as chair of the G8; Wipe Out Debt postcards were delivered to the UK Treasury and the embassies of G7 countries; faith leaders, heads of NGOs and the union movement sent open letters to the newspapers; and campaigners held meetings, stunts and events around the country. Jubilee Debt Campaign and member organisations ActionAid and Christian Aid also released a briefing, In the Balance, outlining what the G8 must do to deliver an effective response on debt at its summit.

Other events took place in countries including Australia, the Bahamas, France, Guyana, Italy, Malawi, Norway, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, the USA and Zimbabwe.