A strategy to attempt to reduce the global development gap:
The Jubilee Debt Campaign
Jubilee Debt Campaign (JDC) has its roots in Jubilee 2000 and earlier campaigns for the cancellation of poor country debt. It came into being in March 2001, a successor to the Jubilee 2000 campaign which had sought debt cancellation to mark the beginning of a new millennium.
History…
When 24 million people signed the global Jubilee 2000 petition - the largest petition ever - politicians sat up and noticed. But at the end of the Jubilee 2000 campaign in December 2000, it was clear that policies on debt cancellation weren't matching the rhetoric. That's why Jubilee movements in many countries vowed to continue the struggle. Jubilee Debt Campaign is the UK's campaigning successor to Jubilee 2000 and Drop the Debt. Working closely with our sister organisations Jubilee Research and Jubilee Scotland, and with partners in other countries, our mission remains the same: an end to all unpayable poor country debts by fair and transparent means.
How does JDC operate?
JDC is a UK Charity made up of a combination of local/regional groups and over 80 national organisations e.g. Christian Aid, Action Aid, etc. Our focus is on changing UK government policy on debt. We also main to ensure that the maximum influence is brought to bear on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
JDC Campaigns…
Take action - When thousands of us work together, we can make a real difference. Take action to help with our current campaigns.
End Britain's Dodgy Deals
Public money is being used to fund UK exports that have led to human rights abuses, climate change and conflict. When these exports fail, they create toxic Third World debts. Join our campaign to End Britain's Dodgy Deals.
South Sudan: No dictator debt
South Sudan is on the brink of independence, yet it may inherit part of North Sudan's $35 billion of dictator debt. Ask the UK to back a debt-free start for the world's newest nation.
Take Action for Climate Justice
The UK government is threatening to increase Third World debt by pushing World Bank loans to developing countries to cope with climate change. We're calling for grants not loans, from the UN's much fairer Climate Adaptation Fund.
Drop Pakistan's Debt
Help us call on governments and international institutions to freeze Pakistan’s debt repayments - which currently dwarf emergency aid given to the country - and cancel Pakistan's enormous and unjust debts.
Some of what JDC does …
1 March - Protest held outside global trade conference
Today activists from Jubilee Debt Campaign dressed up as ‘French maids' and protested outside a global trade conference, telling governments to clean up their exports.
Public Involvement
JDC rely on the support of the general public to petition & campaign. Here are some of the ways they suggest the public can help:
1) Ask your Member of Parliament to support our campaign - WRITE TO YOUR MP - You can find your MP's contact details on the UK Parliament website. You can also write to your MP at House of Commons London SW1A 0AA.
2)Order campaign materials - To order printed postcards and information booklets about this campaign
3) Receive email action alerts and news updates.
4) Fundraise- get involved with raising money for Jubilee Debt Campaign.
5) Campaign - join a local group or start a new group.
6) Volunteer for JDC