Drop the Debt Event

Bosco Volunteer Action  joined up with friends from the Student Christian Movement to make up a group of 14 young adults at the Jubilee Debt Campaign’s ‘Journey to justice’ event in Birmingham on Sunday the 18th of May.

The event challenged us to think of justice not charity – in terms of pressuring governments and international institutions to clear developing countries’ debts, particularly those which are unpayable and/or illegitimate (given to dictators for example). Speakers included representatives of NGOs, faith groups and political parties. By far the most challenging was the final speaker, Kumi Naidoo. He pointed out that developed countries such as the UK have made so many promises, such as 0.7% of GDP given as development aid  (less than 1% and promised over 30 years ago!), and yet have not kept them. He asked if we really believe our governments would act so slowly if European or North American people were suffering.   

To find out more and take action please visit the Jubilee Debt Campaign. 

Comments from the group:

Alex realised the importance of ordinary people
“Sunday made me realize that we as ordinary people can really push the Government for more action to be taken to ensure that developing countries are spending their money on making development a reality, rather than wasting it paying back illegitimate loans.”

Cat was at the campaign 10 years ago
Since that time Cat has spent some time as a volunteer in Tanzania, where she saw the impact of debt relief: “Speaking to missionaries who had been living there for years, I heard the effect that dropping the debt had had. One of the first things that the Tanzanian Government did was grant free primary education for all. The impact this has had is incredible – for the first time people from the very poorest areas of Tanzania have the opportunity to have an education.”

Rosie was reminded of the urgent need for justice
"It reinforced for me the urgency of the campaign - because over $400 billion of debt still needs to be cancelled.  After 10 years of demonstrating, petition-signing, letter writing and shouting from the rooftops, it would be easy for frustration or apathy to overtake us. But when six million children die each year from lack of adequate nutrition and when countries like Kenya have to spend millions of dollars more on debt repayment than on health and education, there must be no slowing down".

Abi likes cake
“The speakers asked some really challenging questions and definitely made me take a good look at how I may be contributing to the problem but more importantly what action can be taken to help tackle it. I'm definitely going to be taking steps towards supporting the campaign and getting involved with the action! It was also great to meet some new people and pig out on some tasty cakes mmmm!!”

Stephen realized there’s still work to be done
“The event raised my awareness as someone who knew about the cause (of dropping debt) and historically what happened (10 years ago) but this made me realise how this issue is still just as important today.”

Flandy reflected on global responsibility
“This issue is less about geography, history, blame or even those with and those without - it is about 'humanity'; about global balance, shared responsibility and doing what is right, and doing it now!”

and Jelly tells it as it is!
“From a Christian perspective, Drop the Debt is an important issue.  Christianity’s core is about peace, love and justice between all people.  These aren’t just airy-fairy vague concepts, but are about real people and real action.

After our mismatched attempts at enforcing ‘development’ on poor countries, with unfair trade rules, immoral money lending, arms trading, and structural adjustment, how then can we justify the fact that they owe us anything, let alone $400 billion?!”