MAKE POVERTY HISTORY

The biggest ever anti-poverty movement came together under the banner of Make Poverty History in 2005. In 2006, the fight against poverty continues.

Prospect is encouraging members to support the Make Poverty History campaign. We are affiliated to the campaign via the TUC.

Make Poverty History is the largest ever coalition assembled in the UK to fight against global poverty. Over 400 development agencies, campaigns, trade unions, faith and entertainment groups joined together to make the most of the unprecedented opportunities for change offered in 2005.

Over 225,000 people gathered in Edinburgh on 2 July 2005 to demand that the G8 take action on trade, debt and aid. And a mass lobby for trade justice was held on 2 November 2005, timed to precede the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December. The lobby called on the government to:

• allow developing countries to use trade policies to protect their vulnerable farm sectors and promote national industries, and
• allow countries to choose the best policies for poor people and the environment in services such as water, health and education.

The core message was to stop pushing developing countries to open their economies and to respect poor countries' right to decide on trade policies to help end poverty.

We want to ensure that changes are brought about to the way the world does business and that trade rules do not undermine core labour standards. The primary message from trade unionists is that the World Trade Organisation should address the rules that undermine workers’ rights.

International development network

Useful websites