Dear Jubilee Scotland supporter

What is the point of cancelling the debts of the past if we are creating new ones for the future? New debts that are opposed by civil society in the countries that are supposedly the beneficiaries? This is the theme that emerges from two international campaigns that Jubilee Scotland is proud to currently support.

In Ethiopia, the Gibe 3 dam threatens the livelihood of an estimated 500, 000 tribal peoples. If built it willl devastate the unique culture and ecosystems of the Lower Omo Valley and Lake Turkana, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has been condemned by civil society as a "man made disaster". And yet the World Bank is considering funding the project. Click here to learn more about this campaign and be routed on to the campaign website.

Meanwhile, the UK government is still dithering over whether to support a $3.75 billion dollar bank loan to South Africa, a huge new destabilising debt for a coal-fired power station that is opposed by civil society groups on the ground for both environmental and ethical reasons, and which the World Bank will vote on on April the 8th. Jubilee Scotland, alongside Friends of the Earth and other international NGOs, is urging supporters to let the Secretary of State for International Development know how they would like him to vote. Click here to be routed to our article and e-action, which also links to external briefings on the subject.

Like us, we expect you are appalled at the failure of the UK parliament to pass the urgent Developing Countries Bill into law, thereby curbing the actions of the Vulture Funds that sue indebted countries for profit. But just because one MP has objected to the bill, we don't think we should give up. We would therefore urge you to support Jubilee Debt Campaign in their bid to keep this bill on tha agenda of all the main parties.

The activities of vulture funds are just one example of capital flight, the flows of revenue back from the poor to the rich world - in tax, debt and trade - that dwarf our aid budgets. The Scottish Parliament has been outspoken on international development, but how can it tackle the larger issue of capital flight when this often strays into reserved policy areas? Jubilee Scotland, along with Christian Aid Scotland, are resourcing a Cross Party Group on International Development in April to explore how Holyrood can fight capital flight. Click here to find out more and to reserve a place.

Best wishes for a rewarding month of campaigning

James Picardo

Jubilee Scotland