The Shahmai
Network were official members of the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY coalition
in 2005, a year of major change. It was a year of unbelievable
tragedy with lives all over the world devastated by a series of
shocking events: the Asian tsunami, famine in Niger and Mali, the
earthquake in South Asia and the hurricane in Guatemala. All were
stark reminders of the vulnerability of the billion-plus people
on our shared planet who live on less than $1 a day. Yet instead
of reacting with a sense of helplessness, people have responded
with an outpouring of compassion for humanity, solidarity and respect
for the value of human life.
The
unprecedented level of global campaigning on poverty in 2005 was
very much a part of that incredible response. By raising awareness
of the impact of global economic injustices, the campaign highlighted
two key points: that poverty is not inevitable and that it is possible
to make poverty history if political leaders have the will to do
so.
MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is
part of a powerful people’s movement that believes in progress through
democracy. The campaign has shown that it is possible for governments
to deliver real change when faced with such public demand –
change that can mean the difference between life and
death for millions of people. There is little doubt that
the political decisions taken during the year would not
have been taken without the passionate commitment of
campaigners. If governments follow through on their promises
without imposing harmful conditions, millions of lives
that would have been lost could now be saved.
Campaigners have seen real progress but governments internationally
could have done more. They have the ability and power to deliver
what is demanded of them. The billions of dollars added to aid
budgets will make a difference but this must be promptly followed
by further increases as billions more will be needed. Up to 40
countries could benefit from the cancellation of debts; meanwhile
many are still spending more on debt repayments than on health
and education. If promises hold fast, by 2010 virtually all those
who need life-saving AIDS treatment will have it, but this promise
risks being broken without a further injection of new resources.
While governments have made important statements of principle against
forced liberalisation and economic policy conditions, these words
must urgently be turned into action if trade is to be used to help
developing countries protect and cultivate their economies. The
continuation of injustices around trade will perpetuate poverty
for generations. Any progress on aid and debt will not make poverty
history without trade justice being delivered.
In 2006, the challenge will be different. The spotlight
will not be on the UK in the way it has been in 2005,
but the British Government must play an important role
in sustaining international pressure. The Global Call
to Action Against Poverty will continue to campaign,
organising a global forum and at least one co-ordinated
international event in 2006. Campaigners in the UK will
continue to play their part and together they will hold
leaders to the promises they made in 2005 and increase
the pressure on them to go a lot further in the right
direction to end poverty. Campaigners will maintain the
push for the UK Government to change their policies and
expend their political capital in the interests of the
world’s
poorest people.
2005 was a year for campaigners to remember. They were part of
the biggest ever anti-poverty movement and in doing so they made
history. The fight against poverty continues and the passion, energy
and momentum of 2005 will fuel future campaigning for the years
to come.
The call to MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY has
inspired a generation: 2005 marked the beginning of something incredible.
Other
Social Involvement
As
a result of our work with MPH, the Shahmai
Network were invited to join the Jubilee
Debt Campaign shortly after the end of the MPH
campaign.
The Shahmai Network are also members of the International
Vegetarian Union, The IVU was founded in 1908 when the first
World Vegetarian Congress was held in Dresden, Germany. The aim
of the IVU is to promote vegetarianism and veganism throughout
the world.
The
Shahmai Network also helped promote the Nonviolent Peaceforce during
the holiday season in 2007, we hope to increase our involvement in
the future.
The
unprecedented level of global campaigning on poverty in 2005 was
very much a part of that incredible response. By raising awareness
of the impact of global economic injustices, the campaign highlighted
two key points: that poverty is not inevitable and that it is possible
to make poverty history if political leaders have the will to do
so.
As
a result of our work with MPH, the Shahmai
Network were invited to join the 
