18th June, 2005

AMANDA JACKSON

This month's decision by G7 finance ministers to wipe-off the debt of 18 of the world's poorest countries is a welcome step to combat global poverty and means that around $US40 billion of debt should be cancelled immediately (pending approval of the proposal at the G8 meeting in Scotland in three week's time).

The decision will have far reaching ramifications. As well as cancelling the debt of 18 countries (14 of which are located in Africa), a further nine countries should qualify for debt write-offs within the next 18 months.

MAKE POVERTY HISTORY: Some of the thousands who gathered in London's Trafalgar Square in February at one of a number of events designed to put pressure on governments around the world to act on debt relief. Among those who have supported the campaign have been musician Sir Bob Geldof and the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. PICTURE: Oxfam, supplied via www.makepovertyhistory.org   "We at the Micah Challenge and Make Poverty History campaign continue to call for more poverty-focused aid as well as the opening up of world markets to goods from poor countries, that is, fair trade." - Amanda Jackson, national coordinator of the Micah Challenge.

But, while acknowledging the move as a very positive step in the campaign to halve global poverty by 2015, further action is needed.

The debt cancellation which was announced is equivalent to only about 10 per cent of total unpayable debt - sub-Saharan Africa alone owes US$69 billion to multilateral agencies and US$231 in total external debt.

We at the Micah Challenge and Make Poverty History campaign continue to call for more poverty-focused aid as well as the opening up of world markets to goods from poor countries, that is, fair trade.

Debt relief can make a substantial difference to the future of impoverished nations and in countries that have already received debt relief there have been tangible results.

In Tanzania, for example, the end of school fees led to a 66 per cent increase in primary school attendance. Mozambique was able to offer all children free immunization. In Uganda, 2.2 million people gained access to clean water.

Debt relief for Africa is also an important part of the battle against corruption. Each of the 18 countries to be offered debt relief under this month’s agreement have had to meet strict guidelines on economic stability and plans for poverty reduction and other countries should be granted this when they meet similar conditions.

This month’s decision is the result of the efforts by individuals and organizations over many years, including through the Jubilee Campaign. As we have seen throughout history, informed communities who are passionate about justice can create change.

Through overseas community development and relief programs many Christian agencies fight poverty and promote sustainable development on the ground. But we also recognise that there are broader systems of injustice that perpetuate poverty – such as unpayable national debt and unfair trade rules – that community development cannot address.

So what can we do to see these momentous decisions go further?

You can join the Micah Challenge/Make Poverty History campaign - see www.micahchallenge.org.au.

You can pray for leaders going to the meeting in Scotland from 6th to 8th of July. As Gordon Brown , the UK Chancellor has said, "This is a time for boldness".

You can get hold of a white band to show that you support the call to Make Poverty History. Go to the Make Poverty History website (www.makepovertyhistory.org) to find out how to order bands.

Watch the LIVE 8 concert - invite your friends, tell them about poverty and Micah and the Millenium Development Goals (see them marvel at your knowledge!)

Order a Micah Challenge kit for your church or small group. Ring Amanda or John on 02 9453 1586.

Amanda Jackson is the national coordinator of the Micah Challenge in Australia. The Micah Challenge is a joint project of the Micah Network and the World Evangelical Alliance and is part of a worldwide movement which aims to see global poverty halved by 2015