Stand Up Against Poverty

Thousands of Kiwis stand with the world to end poverty now

16 October 2009

We have all we need to end extreme poverty, the only thing missing is political will. From October 16 to October 18, this is the message New Zealanders from all around the country will be sending to our leaders when they take part in Stand Up Take Action.

Stand Up, Take Action is a United Nations global campaign to remind our leaders that there is grass-roots support for the pursuit of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). At Stand Up events participants literally Stand Up to show their support.

As well as sixty schools taking part in Stand Up nationwide and people will also be taking part in local events that will be taking place at Auckland University on Friday 16 October, in Wellington’s Civic Square on Saturday 17 October, and at the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch on Saturday 17 October.

These events will be in coordination with events around the world where millions of people will be standing up against poverty and inequality. Last year, over 116 million people took part and set a Guinness World Record. This year to raise awareness for the campaign, radio stations across Europe will simultaneously play Bob Marley's song “Get Up, Stand Up” on October 17. People will also take part on mass in locations such as Johannesburg, where thousands of rugby fans attending the Currie Cup Semi Final matches will Stand Up at the beginning of each game.

In 2000, leaders from 186 countries around the world committed to achieving the MDGs – eight measurable targets that if met would halve extreme poverty by 2015. Today these targets lag behind and with the financial crises as an excuse, governments have reduced their commitment to them.

"Stand Up is about the people of the world telling their governments that we want you to fulfil your promises," says Jacob Marx, Stand Up Auckland team member.

"We have halved extreme poverty in the last 25 years, that is a fantastic effort, but we can do more, we can end it," says Jacob.

Unlike the Vietnam protests of the 1960’s and 70’s, and the apartheid protests of the 1980’s which divided people, Stand Up is a movement that unites us all. Regardless of our political beliefs, the ending of extreme poverty and injustice are goals we all aspire to.

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