At BOWL we can see the way poverty affects the lives of the people we are linked with at a local level. Now in 2006 a huge number of charities, faith groups, trades unions, and individuals across the world, have focused on this as the year to end world poverty. The UK is – it’s good to say – playing a leading part in this campaign.
Nelson Mandela spoke to a capacity audience in Trafalgar Square in February 2005 when he came to launch the Make Poverty History Campaign. He said:
“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. The G8 leaders, when they meet in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on the issue of poverty, especially in Africa. I say to all those leaders: do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision.
Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.
Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up.
Make Poverty History in 2005. Make History in 2005. Then we can all stand with our heads held high.”
It was a very inspiring
occasion and it has certainly proved an amazing year with overseas aid, debt
relief and a fairer trading system becoming headline news. We need to make sure
we don’t lose this surge of energy when 2006 is over and that we keep
politicians to the promises they make. Making Poverty History as Nelson Mandela
emphasised is going to be hard work but it’s great to feel that so many
people are engaged in the process.