MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is the big campaign for 2005. Over 420 charities, church groups and other organisations, including the TUC are saying that this year we can tackle world poverty head on.

Every single day, 30,000 children die as a result of extreme poverty. Several years ago, global leaders agreed eight goals which would halve world poverty by 2015. All it needed was cash, cooperation and commitment. Sadly rich governments have been lacking in all three. MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is about turning up the pressure on world leaders to change this situation. Read more about the campaign (Word doc).

The MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign is demanding:

• Trade justice - World trade is filling the pockets of the rich while ripping off the world's poorest people. Millions of people are stuck in the trade trap. No matter how hard they work, they earn less every year. Half the world's population now lives on less than US$2 a day - roughly the cost of a burger.

• Drop the debt - Despite grand statements from world leaders, the debt crisis is far from over. Many countries still have to spend more on debt repayments than on meeting the needs of their people.

• More and better aid - Poverty will not be eradicated without an immediate and major increase in international aid. Rich countries have also promised to provide 0.7% of their national income in aid and they mus t now make good on their commitment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Email Tony Blair
• Wear a white wristband
• Buy the MPH book
• Go to a local event in your area

RESOURCES