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I don’t know whether everyone is aware that 2005 is a big year for poverty. Or should I say it could be a big year for poverty if the citizens of the UKspeak out. 2005 is special because:
~ The G8 summit is being hosted by the UKand therefore has more influence in what is talked about and to some extent the decisions made,
~ In the second half of the year the UKwill be holding the chair of the European Union
~ It’s the 20th Anniversary of Live Aid
~ The Commission of Africa by Tony Blair.
So basically this is THE year for the UK to speak out about world poverty. This issue is huge, we forget sometimes how huge it is because we become used to the children and babies on TV and hearing about starvation. We become accustomed to how it is and think little old me can not change it. But I challenge you would Jesus sit in a comfortable life with excess around and not do anything about it? I doubt it!
It doesn’t take a lot but this is our chance to make a difference.
A campaign has been started called ‘Make Poverty History’ which aims to make UK citizens aware of how important this year is and encourage them to speak out to our Government to demand change.
See www.makepovertyhistory.org for more information on how to get involved and to find out more about the reasoning behind this campaign.
Below is a speech Nelson Mandela made in Trafalgar Square at the start of the Make Poverty Histroy Campagain, if you’re not inspired to do something yet this will make you be! I dare you to read it.
"I am privileged to be here today at the invitation of The Campaign to Make Poverty History. As you know, I recently formally announced my retirement from public life and should really not be here. However, as long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.
Moreover, the Global Campaign for Action Against Poverty represents such a noble cause that we could not decline the invitation.
'Prison of poverty'
Massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges of our times - times in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation - that they have to rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social evils.
The Global Campaign for Action Against Poverty can take its place as a public movement alongside the movement to abolish slavery and the international solidarity against apartheid.
And I can never thank the people of Britain enough for their support through those days of the struggle against apartheid. Many stood in solidarity with us, just a few yards from this spot.
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In 2005, there is a unique opportunity for making an impact
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Through your will and passion, you assisted in consigning
that evil system forever to history. But in this new century, millions of people in the world's poorest countries remain imprisoned, enslaved, and in chains. They are trapped in the prison of poverty. It is time to set them free.
Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.
Trade justice
The steps that are needed from the developed nations are clear. The first is ensuring trade justice. I have said before that trade justice is a truly meaningful way for the developed countries to show commitment to bringing about an end to global poverty.
The second is an end to the debt crisis for the poorest countries.
The third is to deliver much more aid and make sure it is of the highest quality.
In 2005, there is a unique opportunity for making an impact. In September, world leaders will gather in New York to measure progress since they made the Millennium Declaration in the
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Do not look the other way; do not hesitate... Act with courage and vision
| year 2000. That declaration promised to halve extreme poverty. But at the moment, the promise is falling tragically behind. Those leaders must now honour their promises to the world's poorest citizens. Tomorrow, here in London, the G7 finance ministers can make a significant beginning. I am happy to have been invited to meet with them. The G8 leaders, when they meet in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on the issue of poverty, especially in Africa. I say to all those leaders: do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision.
Call to generation
I am proud to wear the symbol of this global call to action in 2005. This white band is from my country. In a moment, I want to give this band to you - young people of Britain- and ask you to take it forward along with millions of others to the G8 summit in July. I entrust it to you. I will be watching with anticipation.
We thank you for coming here today. Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up.
Make Poverty History in 2005. Make History in 2005. Then we can all stand with our heads held high. Thank you. "
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