Oxfam is calling for world leaders to fulfil Kofi Annan's immediate demand for $1 billion in cash to fund emergency relief over the next six months. Oxfam welcomes confirmation of UN leadership in coordinating aid and reconstruction.Oxfam supports a debt moratorium for Tsunami-affected countries. In total they owe the rich world in excess of $300 billion. "It would be immoral for rich countries to continue to extract billions of dollars in debt payments from countries now suffering such devastation." said Scott. " A taskforce, involving the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, must now be established to draw up a plan to cut these debts."
"World leaders now have an obligation, and a new opportunity, to tackle world poverty, as well as reduce people's vulnerability to future disasters.
Unnecessary suffering and death still continues around the world, including the Congo, Darfur, and the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The Asia disaster highlights the imperative for rich nations to take decisive action to end poverty. We should not just help in their hour of need, but in their lives of need." Said Dr Scott.
Oxfam will redouble its efforts to make global poverty history in 2005. The G8 leaders summit in Scotland in July, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals summit in September, and the World Trade Organisation Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December are three critical events where world leaders can take positive action.
Spokespeople:
Jakarta, Indonesia: To arrange an interview with James Ensor contact CarlyHammond on +61 (0) 409 181 454 or +61 (0) 408 556 494
Oxfam Ireland : Paul Dunphy 01 6040706
Oxfam Ireland's Asia Earthquake Floods appeal : you can donate online here or lo call 1890 60 60 65 (ROI) & 0845 303 0337 (NI) or visit any Oxfam Ireland Shop.