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UK Government Uses Aid to Cause More Damage

The Equity and Justice Working Group, based in Bangladesh, has begun negotiating directly with the UK government on climate finance after the abysmal results of the Copenhagen climate talks. Climate finance refers to the money owed by the rich countries  as compensation for the devastating impacts of the climate change they have caused. This money is critical to working towards a low carbon path for development and prevent further damage to the environment.

With Bangladeshi homes, food supplies, livelihoods and lives under threat, the UK government has not outlined how it will repay for the damage done, but instead proposed further damaging plans. They have talked of giving loans to Bangladesh that would rap them unjust debt, funding them with the UK aid budget which should be there to aid without strings attached. They also wish to use the World Bank as their conduit for the money – an organisation that lacks the reputation of fair and successful economic policies, but have instead created problems and caused climate change. Such plans could keep Bangladesh in poverty for years to come and create more problems out of the original crisis – the deteriorating environmental situation.

The Equity and Justice Working Group asks that people email the UK Development Minister, Douglas Alexander, and tell him that you will not support such a deal and the damage it will do to Bangldesh. CLICK HERE for more information at the World Development Movement Website

CHRISTIAN AID ‘POVERTY OVER’ ROADSHOWS:

Christian Aid has a vision of a world without poverty: Poverty Over. There are Poverty Over Roadshows in Scotland during September where  Christian Aid will tell you how we can all work together to eradicate poverty. Find out about the latest campaigns, and how you can get involved. They say, “We'll also let you know not only how we’re spending our supporters' money, but the difference it makes.” You’ll be able to hear first hand how your support is helping us to end poverty from a partner in India, Mr Joy Tudu who works for the Church of North India Resource Centre for Social Action on Tribal Identity & Indigneous Rights in Ranchi, India, whose visit is funded by World Mission Council. The CNI helps dalits and other marginalised landless people across north India access their right to employment, a livelihood and social services by organising them into people's organisations.
 
And of course, no roadshow would be complete without tea, coffee and a chance to chat with Christian Aid staff and volunteers!
 
Thursday 3 September, 7pm-9pm Stirling Baptist Church, Murray Place, Stirling, FK8 1AU.
Wednesday 9 September, 7pm-9pm Oban Church Centre, Glencruitten Rd, Oban, PA34 4DN.
Thursday 17 September, 7pm-9pm  St Andrew’s Church, King St, Dundee, DD1 2JB.
 
For more information about the Oban roadshow, contact Diana Wright on dwright@christian-aid.org.  For more information on the Stirling or Dundee roadshows, contact Carol Deuchars on cdeuchars@christian-aid.org.
 

World Development Movement Campaigner Convention

Saturday 19 September, 10.30am – 5pm

St Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

The financial and climate crises are affecting millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries.  But it doesn't have to be like this.  Another world is possible - one that would see a just and sustainable future for all.  Join the World Development Movement and some of the best thinkers and campaigners around for a thought-provoking day of talks, discussion and practical workshops where you can find out how the banks, corporations and politicians got us into this mess and what we can do to fix it.  Special guest appearance by film-maker, culture jammer and star of 'The Yes Men fix the world' Mike Bonanno.

OXFAM June Newsletter

Click Here to Download

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ARMS TRADE

UKTI: Armed and Dangerous
Taxpayers' money is being used to help private companies sell arms to repressive regimes and conflict zones. CAAT is campaigning to end government support for this deadly work. Read more and sign the petition. READ MORE

JUSTICE & PEACE SCOTLAND

The Debt On Our Doorstep campaign is urging MPs to sign a motion which calls for extra legal protection for people who are in debt. Please help by writing to your MP. The Government has proposed that county courts should be able to issue 'Enforcement Restriction Orders' (EROs), to allow for any action to recover debts to be suspended for up to 12 months. With rapidly rising levels of redundancies and unemployment, EROs would provide real help now to many households struggling to cope with the recession. However, the Government is now planning to delay introducing the Orders until 2010. We believe that will be far too late for many people, and are urging Government to act now. DOOD has teamed up with John Battle MP in a bid to get Government to bring forward the introduction of Enforcement Restriction Orders. READ MORE

MEDACT

Global Health Watch 2 - produced by the People's Health Movement, Medact and the Global Equity Gauge Alliance in South Africa, presents an alternative view of health in the 21st century that is sorely needed. At a time of debates about the morality of bonuses and hedge funds, the links between present economic models and our health, including the health of the 40% of the world's population that live on less that $2 a day, need to be clearly made. The report emphasizes the need to tackle the underlying determinants of ill-health and health inequalities, and to ‘watch' and hold to account the governments and international institutions with responsibility for global health. READ MORE

MOTHERS' UNION

Grow Up Free From Poverty Coalition Mothers' Union is on the steering committee for the group Grow Up. One of the main aims of the coalition is to make young people aware of the the causes and effects of child poverty and encourage them to be actively involved in their communities. READ MORE

SCIAF

Film Showing and discussion: HOME
Friday 5th June: 6pm.
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh.
Tickets: £6.50/£4.90.

A fascinating film with exceptional photography covering planet earth and our impact on it. Followed by a discussion with SCIAF's Campaigns Officer Lexi Barnett.
READ MORE

SCOTTISH CO-OP

International Co-operative Day

International Co-operative Day or the International Day of Co-operatives is celebrated on the first Saturday of July every year. The aim of this day is to increase awareness of co-operatives around the world and promote the movement's ideals of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.

The International Day also aims to strengthen and extend partnerships between the international co-operative movement and other actors, including governments, at local, national and international levels. READ MORE

SCOTTISH MALAWI UPDATE

State of the Malawi Political Parties, March 2009

Although there is a proliferation of parties in Malawi only a handful are of significance in the presidential stakes. Many of the smaller parties are 'personality or patronage seeking' outfits. The first biggie, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) (Leader: John Tembo) is Dr Banda's old party. It has its strongholds in the centre, with localised pockets of fanatical support in the south and north. READ MORE

WORLD DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT SCOTLAND

Global Connect Outreach: Edinburgh South West

Starting in June 2009, we'll be supporting two new monthly clubs alongside community agencies in Edinburgh South West, which are both FREE to join.

We're encouraging members of the local communities in Wester Hailes, Sighthill, Kingsnowe, Longstone, Slateford and Collinton to join in, as well as people from elsewhere in the city. Come along to one of our summer taster sessions and find out more. READ MORE