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25 May 2005, London – Royal National Hotel, Russell Square: Hilary Benn MP, UK Secretary of State for International Development at Africa Day Meeting convened by the AU said, `I was fortunate to have taken part in the discussion, and the decision… European member states have agreed to a deal which will almost double EU development assistance between 2004 and 2010 – an extra $38 billion a year by that year, at least half of which will go to Africa. They have done this by agreeing a new collective target of 0.56% of GNI to be spent on aid, and – most important of all – by undertaking to achieve, for member states which joined before 2002, the long-held UN 0.7% target by 2015. Because it is our moral duty to help change the condition of humankind. Because our self interest – our common interest – in an increasingly inter-dependent world, teaches us that success or failure in one country is a success or failure for us all
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In 2005, under massive public pressure, the G8 promised to lift millions out of poverty. They promised to double aid to developing countries, to cancel the crippling debts owed by some of the poorest nations, and to give all people access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support. The G8 Countries also reached at a common concensus on following issues at Grangeles Summit 2005 as humanitarian appeal from global level civil society movement:
- Stalemate on climate change as US position barely budges
- G8 nations agree to full debt cancellation for 18 countries, while African countries call for debt relief for all Africa
- EU members pledge to reach a collective aid target of 0.56% of GDP by 2010, and 0.7% by 2015
- The G8 agrees a $50bn (£28.8bn) boost to aid
- A ’signal’ for a new deal on trade
- Universal access to anti-HIV drugs in Africa by 2010.
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Since then, the G8 has delivered on some of its promises, and 21 of the world’s poorest countries have had their debts cancelled. As a result, their governments are able to invest in education and health, rather than repaying loans.
Since 2005, $4 billion in debt relief has enabled the Zambian government to introduce free health care in rural areas. So doctors like Martin Mwalukanga, from the Ngwerere Rural Health Centre, can now offer medical care to four million people who previously weren’t able to afford it.
In addition to improved healthcare, millions more children are receiving an education because of debt relief. The Tanzanian and Ugandan governments are among those to have abolished school fees, while teachers in Benin, Burkina Faso and Madagascar are now receiving more training.
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This July the eight richest countries – the G8 – will meet in Japan and talk about global poverty and climate change. SUPRO will be there, campaigning hard, to make sure the G8 takes action now! and makes decisions that will improve the lives of the one billion men, women and children living in poverty. We want you to campaign with us and Unite your voice:
- The international community including the G-8 must take necessary steps immediately to ensure full Debt cancellation for Bangladesh;
- Debts must be cancelled as a matter of justice: creditors must accept their share of responsibility in creating the current debt crisis, and cancel debts on this basis;
- A “MDG-consistent” frame-work of Debt Sustainability should be applied and cancellation must be available to all that need it;
- The issue of Climate Change and its adverse effect must be taken into account and additional fund should be released to overcome the adversity linking it with MDG process;
- The governments of indebted countries must demonstrate to their citizens that they are spending money well and accountably. But this must not be used as an excuse to impose economic policy conditions or to limit those countries receiving debt cancellation by the donor community;
- Rich countries, institutions and commercial creditors must cancel all illegitimate and un-payable debts being claimed from all poor countries;
- Total Debt stocks must be cancelled, not just Service; debt service cancellation for a limited period is not enough. Debts must be completely written off;
- If debt cancellation is to make a difference to the poorest people in the world, it must release extra funds and not be paid for by taking money out of aid budgets;
- Debt cancellation of any kind must not be conditional.
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This year, the Japanese government has put healthcare on the G8 agenda. This is a massive opportunity for the G8 to make a real difference to the lives of the world’s poorest people. By 2010, four million lives could be saved every year if the G8 takes “Action Now!” and fulfils its commitments. At the moment this remains a big if – but you can help push them to act.
