NZ agencies band together for MakePovertyHistory coalition

"We are the first generation that can say: we have the cash, we have the drugs, we have the science - but do we have the will? Do we have the will to make poverty history? Some say we can't afford to. I say we can't afford not to." Bono, from U2, challenged a Labour Party Conference in UK with these words late last year. Bono is one of the many celebrities to lend their support to the global campaign to MakePovertyHistory.

Now a wide range of New Zealand aid, development, human rights, social justice and anti-poverty organisations have come on board the global campaign to bring an end to 'extreme and stupid poverty' (Bono's words) in the world.

MakePovertyHistory Aotearoa/New Zealand is planning a number of activities in major centres around July 1-2, to coincide with White Band Day on July 1 and the Live8 concerts on July 2, in the run up to the G8 Summit at Gleneagles, Scotland on July 6-7.

The MakePovertyHistory coalition is calling for immediate government action against poverty. "There's a definite feeling that now is the time. There's a definite groundswell of opinion amongst people the world over that governments of developed countries could be doing much more to help end poverty," say coalition members.

The New Zealand coalition is concentrating on trade justice, dropping the debt for heavily indebted countries, more and better aid, including committing to the target of 0.7% of GNI (committed to in 1971 and subsequently), and ending child poverty in New Zealand.

For more information on MakePovertyHistory Aotearoa/New Zealand, visit the website: www.makepovertyhistory.org.nz

The membership of MakePovertyHistory is growing rapidly, and currently includes:

Arena Foundation (Action, Research and Education Network of Aotearoa NZ)

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

Child Poverty Action Group

Christian World Service

Council for International Development

Development Resource Centre

Family Planning Association (International Development Division)

The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand

Jubilee Aotearoa Debt Action Network

Leprosy Mission New Zealand

Loyola Christian Life Community

New Zealand Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux

New Zealand Council of Social Services

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Oxfam New Zealand

The Peace Foundation

Peace Movement Aotearoa

Sisters of Mercy of Aotearoa New Zealand

TEAR Fund New Zealand

Trade Aid

The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit

WWF New Zealand

World Vision New Zealand

ENDS

© Scoop Media