The Shahmai Network were official members of the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY coalition in 2005, a year of major change. It was a year of unbelievable tragedy with lives all over the world devastated by a series of shocking events: the Asian tsunami, famine in Niger and Mali, the earthquake in South Asia and the hurricane in Guatemala. All were stark reminders of the vulnerability of the billion-plus people on our shared planet who live on less than $1 a day. Yet instead of reacting with a sense of helplessness, people have responded with an outpouring of compassion for humanity, solidarity and respect for the value of human life.
The unprecedented level of global campaigning on poverty in 2005 was very much a part of that incredible response. By raising awareness of the impact of global economic injustices, the campaign highlighted two key points: that poverty is not inevitable and that it is possible to make poverty history if political leaders have the will to do so.
MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is part of a powerful people’s movement that believes in progress through democracy. The campaign has shown that it is possible for governments to deliver real change when faced with such public demand – change that can mean the difference between life and death for millions of people. There is little doubt that the political decisions taken during the year would not have been taken without the passionate commitment of campaigners. If governments follow through on their promises without imposing harmful conditions, millions of lives that would have been lost could now be saved.
Campaigners have seen real progress but governments internationally could have done more. They have the ability and power to deliver what is demanded of them. The billions of dollars added to aid budgets will make a difference but this must be promptly followed by further increases as billions more will be needed. Up to 40 countries could benefit from the cancellation of debts; meanwhile many are still spending more on debt repayments than on health and education. If promises hold fast, by 2010 virtually all those who need life-saving AIDS treatment will have it, but this promise risks being broken without a further injection of new resources.
While governments have made important statements of principle against forced liberalisation and economic policy conditions, these words must urgently be turned into action if trade is to be used to help developing countries protect and cultivate their economies. The continuation of injustices around trade will perpetuate poverty for generations. Any progress on aid and debt will not make poverty history without trade justice being delivered.
Campaigners in the UK will continue to play their part and together they will hold leaders to the promises they made in 2005 and increase the pressure on them to go a lot further in the right direction to end poverty. Campaigners will maintain the push for the UK Government to change their policies and expend their political capital in the interests of the world’s poorest people.
2005 was a year for campaigners to remember. They were part of the biggest ever anti-poverty movement and in doing so they made history. The fight against poverty continues and the passion, energy and momentum of 2005 will fuel future campaigning for the years to come.
The call to MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY has inspired a generation: 2005 marked the beginning of something incredible.
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