Global Call to Action Against Poverty. Thousands of people demand “More action, fewer words”

Global Call to Action Against Poverty. Thousands of people demand “More action, fewer words” 19/11/2007

Entreculturas joined thousands of people in the street on October 21, throughout Spain, to demand politicians real and definite steps in the fight against poverty world wide. In Madrid, summoned by the Spanish Alliance against Poverty, demonstrators filled the street of Alcalá under the motto "Rebel against poverty. More action and fewer words".

Representatives from more than one thousand organizations members of the Alliance, gathered under the motto. Among them were Cándido Mendez, General UGT (Trade Unions ) Secretary; José María Medina, President of the Development NGO Coordinator for Spain; Great Wyoming and Sanogo Kororoumou Gariko, member of the peasant and agricultural products organization for Western Africa (ROPPA) among others.

Eight white bands were displayed by DNGO representatives, symbolizing the Eight Millennium Goals, signed by 189 Heads of State in 2000 and which are still unfulfilled. "We met here a year ago and we demanded rebellion against poverty. A year has gone by and we continue to invite you to rebellion. We demand more action and fewer words against poverty" said José María medina, member of the Spanish Alliance against Poverty.

Sanogo Kororoumou Gariko, has been the voice of the South and has denounced that "political parties and international financial institutions fight against the poor but not against poverty. There are grand speeches but they are not real." Great Wyoming and Beatriz Montañez read the manifesto "Governments from developed countries do not fulfil their promises. They have not given the committed 6.000 million dollars annually for a universal primary education and fight against AIDS in Africa has only received 60% of promised funds."

Through these mobilizations, the Alliance demands that fight against poverty be part of the political agenda and election programmes, demanding a greater and better Official Aid for Development (AOD) , the cancellation of external debt of poor countries and a change in the present terms of international trade.

Spanish citizens have demonstrated once again their solidarity and engagement with fight against poverty by going out in the streets in more than 50 cities to demand political leaders to comply with the agreements against poverty they have signed. The Spanish Alliance against Poverty will continue to mobilize and look for greater commitments from the citizens and governments until their demands become a reality in Spanish politics.

Manifesto

There are more than 400 NGO's that form part of CONGDE. These along with more than 100 other organisations that represent civil society have come together to take part in the "Global call for Action Against Poverty" in the year 2005.

The existence of poverty and inequlaity that persists in todays world cannot be justified. Despite the efforts of recent decades, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. There are 3,000 million people that lack a dignified life due poverty. Hunger, AIDS, illiteracy, discrimination against woman and children, natural degradation, unequal access to technology, mass displacement caused by war and migration caused by unequal distribution of wealth are all syptoms of the same problem - the injustice that the majority of the worlds population faces.

Sustanable development is under seriuos threat by irresponsible consumption and explotiation of natural resources.

The formation of political and economical activities help create poverty and inequality. International trade and finance only supports the wealthiest economies whilst creating unfair third world debts.

In order to achieve effective and sustainable international development, global democracy and participation must take place.

The recent economic boom has not guaranteed better human rights or better living conditions for any race, gender or culture in any of the world's regions. In fact, it has increased inequality and injustice to unprecedented levels. The road to peace involves fighting poverty and the lack of equality.

The battle against poverty and it's many forms, signifies fighting against exclusion and for the protection of economic, social and cultural rights, which will result in greater job security, better health care, education and empowerment. It's the moral obligation of society as a whole and one that cannot be delayed any longer.

For all of these requisitions to be carried out and for the eradication of poverty and hunger to be made possible, all governments and states that signed the UN Millennium Declaration in 2000, to carry out their promises and objectives.

We ask that:

There is more official aid where countries give the promised 0.7% of GDP.
Better aid where the commercial interests of the poorest countries are prioritised and adhere to the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's).
There is greater coherence between all governments.
That the richer countries, the IMF and World Bank cancel third world debt.
The laws of international trade are changed. At present they favour richer countries and their businesses that dictate how they should develop.
Remove subsidiaries that currently allow richer countries to export products below their cost of production, which damages rural communities in poor countries.
The protection of public services against liberalisation and privatisation, which will improve access to food, clean water and medical supplies.
There is more equal access to technology for the poorer countries.