World poverty is sustained, not by chance or nature, but by: injustice in global trade; the huge burden of debt; and insufficient, ineffective aid. Each of these is exacerbated by inappropriate economic policies imposed by rich countries.
MakePovertyHistory is a UK coalition of charities, trade unions, campaigning groups, faith communities and celebrities who are mobilising around key opportunities in 2005 to drive forward the struggle against poverty and injustice.
2005 offers an exceptional series of opportunities for the UK to take a lead internationally to start turning things around. Next year, as the UK hosts the annual G8 gathering of world leaders and heads up the European Union, the UK government will be a particularly influential player on the world stage.
By mobilising popular support across a unique string of events and actions, MakePovertyHistory will press our own government to compel rich countries to fulfil their obligations and promises to eradicate poverty and to rethink some long-held assumptions. Worldwide, organisations and individuals will echo this call as part of the Global Call for Action Against Poverty.
MakePovertyHistory is calling for urgent action to improve the lives of millions of poor people around the world who have to live on less than a dollar a day. It is urging action on trade, debt and aid. A North of England Conference to build the mobilisation will be held on April 9 2005. Please put it in your diary and tell your friends. More information will follow.
Chris Worrall, Oxfam (0161 838 5620)
African poverty is not an unfortunate accident of geography and climate. It is largely the result of damaging policies such as free trade forced on Africa by rich countries. The problem in Ethiopia today is not that nothing will grow, the problem is that the coffee that they are growing is worthless because of the mismanagement of the global economy by countries like ours.
WDM don't want to discourage anyone from buying the single but they are very disappointed that it wasn't rewritten to provide a more accurate reflection of Africa. WDM wants to promote discussion about what the song could say and what the issues are. That is why they have decided to provide a space for the public to publish their own version of the Band Aid lyrics. Lyrics that inspire people to take powerful action and lyrics that explain the real reasons why Africa remains poor.
You can submit your alternative lyrics, read the efforts of others and find out more about how third world debt and unfair trade rules effect Africa at WDM's website
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