| Following is an introduction to a Social Justice Issue: Global Debt Relief. (David C. Duncombe, an inspirational person, is a complementary piece.) Links to web sites are included for *in-depth information, *analysis, *action ideas, *contacts, and *organizing initiatives. You are encouraged to use the links to take you to facets of this issue that speak to your heart, mind, and desire to unite your faith with action. |
Keeping Focused on
Global Debt Relief
Urgent Need for Debt Relief Movement Pushes Forward Action Alerts!
A U.N. report, "The State of Food Insecurity in the World", indicated that -- despite international efforts to reduce poverty -- no progress has been made in 10 years. The publication "highlighted the discrepancy between what could (and should) be done, and what is actually being done for the millions of people suffering from hunger.
Figures show that about 29.4 million Africans have the AIDS virus -- about 70 percent of cases worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, over 7 million children have been orphaned by the disease, as AIDs increasingly becomes a woman's disease.
AIDS campaigners estimate that $15 billion is needed annually to curb the AIDS epidemic in Africa alone. But 13.5 billion flows out of Africa in debt service each year.
The Progress of Nations 2000 reports how children bear the burdens of poverty caused by debt: "Made virtually invisible by the deepest poverty, not registered at birth – and thus denied official acknowledgement of their name and nationality and the protection of their rights – they endure in profound obscurity." The report specifically refers to HIPC countries.
There continues to be international leadership of and worldwide support for ongoing efforts to cancel the debts of 52 highly-indebted countries. Organizations, once focused on Jubilee Year
2000 debt relief, evolved at the turn of the new millennium when total debt relief had not been achieved. 50 Years Is Enough is a strong advocate for eliminating SAPs (Structural Adjustment Programs) from debt cancellation. Organizations are challenging the policies of key players in the debt crisis: the World Bank and the IMF. With the involvement of millions of ordinary people, Jubilee campaigns have taken important steps forward. Following are a few examples:
- In April 2008, the Jubilee Act (H.R. 2634) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, thanks to the efforts of many thousands who lobby Congressional members -- via letters, phone calls, and office visits. Advocates include U2 Irish rocker Bono and the inspiring Pastor David Duncombe who led a ministry of prayer and fasting for this cause.
- April/May, 2005: organized a Global Connections Tour to further debt relief movement prior to upcoming G-8 meetings.
- In April 21, 2004, almost 11,000 unhappy birthday cards were delivered to the IMF and World Bank.
- The Heart of America Tour: Africa's Future and Ours in early December 2002 reached thousands of people across the heartland of the United States.
- Thousands have gathered/continue to participate World Social Forum events and push for debt relief to make another world possible.
With a global food crisis and rising fuel costs, a dramatic push for debt relief is needed. Actions include:
- Urge your senators to pass the Jubilee Act, S. 2166 (26 cosponsors as of July 31, 2008). If s/he is already a cosponsor of either bill, express your gratitude.
- Send a letter to the editor of your local newspapers, applauding the passage of the Jubilee Act in the House.
- To learn more about social justice justice teachings, debt and trade, and related social conditions, from an African perspective -- visit the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection.
- Check out Blog the Debt, the new Jubilee Blog!
- Get educated on the debt boomerang.
- Participate in the Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty.
- Help fund the Jubilee USA Network.
Gratitude to Jubilee USA Network
for information and use of their graphics.
Modified August 1, 2008.