Our new Multifaith Documentary
Posted by: audreymiller on: January 22, 2010
The six major faiths of Birmingham have contributed to a documentary showing their concern for global poverty and seeking justice.
We launched the documentary for the project at our AGM on January 18th. Here it is
Media coverage of JDC multifaith project
Posted by: audreymiller on: December 22, 2009
The launch of the Jubilee Debt Campaign multifaith project has been very eventfu.l Over the last month we have gained some very useful media coverage l and entirely unexpected “spin-off”.
One newspaper article led to the reader sending cheque for £100.00 and very encouraging comments about coming to the Birmingham Human Chain in 1998 and the time she had given in the past to her activism. But now at 97 she had decided to support JDC by giving money rather than demonstrating or lobbying!
In a telephone call from a retired journalist I was amused to hear him say that in 1997 when we first met and talked about the “Human chain” he was convinced no more than a few dozen people would turn out on cup final day and that I was completely mad to even try to get debt cancellation for the world poorest countries. It was rather good to have proved at least one journalist wrong in that 70,000 came to Birmingham and that jubilee has acheived so much in the last twelve years.but some would perhaps agree with him that I am completely mad!
The multifaith project attracted new web-based radio audiences for us in that on December 1st Trans World Radio broadcast half an hour programme entitled “Drop the Debt”.Speaking along side Gordon Brown Stephen Rand and selection of celebs was certainly a new experience for me.The radio venture was successful in that more programmes about JDC are planned for the New Year on Vulture funds.
Then out of the blue an Anglo – french film crew arrived on the doorstep to interview Salma Hamid and I about how our faith links to Global Poverty..It will be interesting to see if the film commissioned by an Australian venture actually comes to completion and if Birmingham campaigners get past the cutting room.
What ever the out come it’s all been good fun and the news that we have almost raised £2,000 from private individuals towards the multifaith project is encouraging. Donations have ranged from £5.00 to £500.00.
If you can help with a donation do get in touch we can provide Gift Aid envelops to maximise your contribution if you are a tax payer. Perhaps you can also provide names of any trusts or charities which might support our work? It good that the word is spreading in so many media outlets and we are getting this positive” spin-off”
Seasons Greetings to you all.
Audrey Miller
Vultures come to UK again for killing of the Liberian people
Posted by: audreymiller on: December 8, 2009
The latest outrage on international debt has been demonstrated the during the last few weeks. In the British High Court two Vulture Funds were awarded $20 million for a debt that dates back to 1978. For a country that sits in the bottom 15 for worst living standards in the world, that $20 million siphoned off by the Vulture Funds is equal to 105% of the country’s education budget and 155% of its health budget in 2008. The country Liberia Is currently headed by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first democratically elected women head of state in Africa. The country has shown itself to be a model of responsible borrowing since the end of its war. Despite the illegitimacy of Liberia’s loans, taken out by dictatorial governments and used to fuel and finance the 14 years of civil war, the new democratic government has done all it can to start fresh by clearing its past debts.
Suddenly out of the blue come this devastating blow from our High court when, Wall Capital Ltd. and Hamsah Investments, sued Liberia and were awarded $20 million. These Vulture Funds held the rights to a $6 million debt from 1978, which has been passed through many hands and has an unclear record of spending and repayment – the money may have even financed and fuelled the civil war.
Attempts by Jubilee campaigners to stop our courts and those in USA taking part in rewarding these vultures failed when the British government did not include the necessary measures in the Queens speech. Nothing can it seems be done to undo this gross in justice to the people of Liberia, but we now have to find a means of stopping other Vultures landing in London and eating the flesh from other poor people.
One gallant MP might just make this possible – if you lobby your MP to help his private members bill through the House of Commons. Andrew Gwynne could save hundreds of thousands of people from the damaging effects of this and prevent the rich investors going in for the kill on other weak and powerless countries in the same position as Liberia.
Do get in touch with your MP and make your views known If you go to find your MP Please take full advantage of being able to have your say. Lets cull the vultures and stop any more law suits in Uk. Jubilee USA are doing their part to stop similar actions in the law courts there too.
Multifaith project is launched
Posted by: audreymiller on: November 22, 2009
For those of you who missed it we have just had National Interfaith Week and “Islam Awareness Week”
In our region both have been celebrated in great style with colourful and most enjoyable presentations, many organised by West Midlands Faith Forum.
I was able to attend several of the events and was particularly pleased to see young people taking part in such colourful and imaginative ways demonstrating their faith and culture.
My own involvement came through the launch of a new project from Jubilee Debt Campaign – Global Poverty, Seeking Justice: People of Faith in Action This national project, based in Birmingham, will focus on raising awareness amongst all faith groups on the ways we can work together for the common good and in particular the cancellation of international debts.
Our launch event took place at the Bordesley Centre when 120 supporters from the six main faith groups of the city, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Moslem and Sikh.
It was clear from the songs,music and presentations how each faith has at its core so many shared concerns for the poor and the injustice of debt repayments. Wonderful news for me because I know dropping the debt, works!
If you want some examples – teacher numbers doubled in three years in Tanzania, primary school fees were abolished in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia and in rural areas of Benin. Bolivia and Mauritania. There is improving healthcare, greatly reducing infant and maternal mortality rates in many more poor countries. All this progress because of debt cancellation.
With all faith groups working together I am sure we can benefit in many ways and achieve greater understand at many level. I have already found lots of co workers and friends through being involved.
Something reflected so well in the flyer and poster that are part of the promotion material.
Now we have to find the funds to take forward our plans for a Multifaith conference in the Spring and other educational schemes that will give every faith group an opportunity to bring about positive outcomes for the greater good of all not just in campaigners in Birmingham but across the region and then to be copied by other UK Jubilee campaign groups. But the real benefit will be the indebted countries having their own money to spend on health and education projects instead of sending it to the rich countries in debt repayment.
GLOBAL POVERTY, SEEKING JUSTICE PEOPLE OF FAITH IN ACTION
Posted by: audreymiller on: November 7, 2009
Birmingham born Stephen Rand Co- Chair of Jubilee Debt Campaign shares his thoughts on news of our latest Jubilee multifaith project
On Wednesday 18 November, at the heart of the national Inter Faith Week, Jubilee Debt Campaign will launch GLOBAL POVERTY, SEEKING JUSTICE – PEOPLE OF FAITH IN ACTION. This national project, based in Birmingham, will focus on building awareness and encouraging action on global poverty, with a particular focus on the issue of poor country debt.
I think this is a really significant initiative. There is a desperate need for further action on debt and global poverty. Faith communities and organisations have already played a vital role in the campaign; it’s time to build on past activities and engagement and together – in and through our faith communities, locally and nationally – raise awareness of the issues and speak out for justice.
The media often highlights the moments and places where religion is cause of division. That’s why I’m glad to be associated with something that sees people of different faiths recognising the common bond of humanity and the shared desire to combat poverty and seek justice.
We don’t have to compromise anything we believe in order to act together for the greater good; in fact the opposite is true. If people truly believe, seeking justice and caring about poverty and people who are poor is the highest priority.
The steering group for the project, which I chair, has representatives from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities. Salma Hamid is a member of the group, the Birmingham Coordinator for Islam Awareness Week, which shares the dates of Inter Faith Week. She says, “The theme for Islam Awareness Week 2009 is ‘Walk the Talk,’ about recognising our common humanity, celebrating our diversity and respecting each other. The Jubilee Debt campaign initiative is a great way to build links and get people to work together for the common good.”
Ever since 70,000 people formed a human chain around Birmingham in 1998, urging the G8 leaders to ‘Drop the Debt’, Birmingham – with its rich diversity of faith groups – has played a key role in the campaign. It makes me proud to be a Brummie!
The launch of the multi-faith project will be part of a meeting for Inter Faith Week to be held in The Bordesley Centre, Birmingham, at which representatives from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities will show how they are engaged with issues of world poverty.
I have no doubt that the campaign to Drop the Debt is one of the most significant global people movements in history. Much has been achieved – but much remains to be done. At a time of global economic crisis, people of faith taking action together to seek justice demonstrates that our common values can bring people together to make a difference on global poverty.
Powerful Local MP’s
Posted by: audreymiller on: November 2, 2009
In those moments of bleak depression when campaigners wonder if politicians ever listen, I do debate if its all a waste of time and then something like this from local MP Richard Burdon comes into my inbox and I give a huge cheer and my faith is restored. We are getting our message across to some.
| “Lots of constituents have been in touch to let me know they support the campaign to ‘End the vulture culture‘ led by the Jubilee Debt Campaign. The campaign is calling for regulation of vulture funds to prevent them buying up the defaulted debts of poor countries and then sueing those countries for full repayment plus costs.It is internationally recognised that the debt burden of the poorest, most indebted poor countries has to be tackled if they are to set themselves on the path of sustainable growth, development and poverty reduction. The UK government has taken a lead role on debt relief over the last 12 years. It is important that the real progress that has been made goes towards reducing poverty in developing countries, not lost into the pockets of wealthy investors.
Earlier this year I signed a parliamentary motion calling on the government to regulate vulture funds and raised the issue directly with government ministers. Replying to my letter, the Treasury Minister Ian Pearson explained that the government is also concerned about these so-called vulture funds . He told me that the government thoroughly deplores the funds and has taken a leading role in combating the damage caused by their activities – by preventing debts from falling into the hands of such funds and helping countries to defend themselves.” Richard Burdon MP |
Now we wait to see if another local MP for Dudley - Ian Pearson will respond to the thousands of petition signings and letters he has received via the Treasury to take the final steps necessary. to outlaw the vulture fund process.
This Black Country MP and Treasury Minister Ian Pearson is in charge of taking the all important decision about whether to turn the proposed new law into a priority for the next parliamentary session, by putting it into the Queen’s Speech on 18 November.
I await to see if they did get the message or will I be going back into despair of politicians ability to listen to the plea for justice.
Audrey Miller
Full -Frontal Rainbow Scarves meet Minister on Home Turf
Posted by: audreymiller on: September 18, 2009
Hilary Oliver, Fair Trader, Ombersley Rd Methodist Church, Worcester gives apersonal impression of the meeting in Worcester
A colourful, lively and good-humoured meeting took place at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Worcester, on September 15th, when Michael Foster 
(Minister for International Development and MP for Worcester) and Nick Dearden, (Director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign) 
gave key speeches on Forgiving Debts and Towards Responsibility in the Market Place.
Jubilee Debt Campaign supporters from Birmingham and Worcester were joined by local leaders and representatives from Christian Aid, Trade Justice and many denominations of other Worcester churches. Paul Jackson, (newly appointed to a Chair in Birmingham University’s International Dept,) was also present, as a member of Ombersley Rd Methodist, Worcester, as was another member, Dot Johnson, whose tireless and inspirational campaigning work has recently led to a Christian Aid award. All combined to make a united, committed and very informed audience.
The meeting was ably chaired by the Revd John Johansen-Berg (International Director of Community for Reconciliation who interspersed stories, examples and particular situations, at relevant times, from his own years of experience.
Nick Dearden mesmerised his listeners with words that freely flowed both with passion and with detailed knowledge. While citing the predicaments of so many developing countries, he acknowledged gratefully his belief that our Government IS convinced of the necessity of Debt Cancellation of unpayable debts. He assured us of the enormous impact of the Debt Relief Scheme and that debt cancellation money has NOT been used to line the pockets of dictators but to increase, for example, the number of teachers and midwives and improve rural infrastructure.
Last January, the Vulture Fund Campaign began and by July, the Government had already consulted JDC on how these could be stopped. (DfID had put pressure on the Treasury.) Nick now wanted to see expansion to countries other than those who also benefit from debt relief.
The Jubilee Debt Campaign still exists, as it has just been a starting point to “address the iniquities of the global economy to the developing world”.
One hundred billion dollars of debt has been cancelled so far, but a further 400 hundred billion is still needed to allow developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development goals for their people. So many are still spending more on repaying debts than on their education budgets and so on.
(A wry note was added here that not so long ago, this would have seemed a colossal sum of money, but is now viewed somewhat differently since the credit crunch and staggering amounts seen re the banking market. . . !!!)
The idea is that debtors and creditors should come together with neutral arbitrators to allow the debtors a voice to find a just, fair method and amount of repayment.
(Again, this last year of debts suddenly faced by ourselves, has clearly shown it’s not the debtors who have necessarily been the irresponsible ones, but those giving the loans in the first place!)
Loans will still continue to be a necessity of course, but with radical restructuring to ensure not ending up back in the first place. Nick cited Norway (with its shipping business) as an example to follow; it has started the ball rolling with 100 million dollars of debt cancellation. Sustainable development must be the new way to go, he concluded.
Mike Foster picked up on this and agreed that the aim must be fair and sustainable development in the midst of global recession and climate change. He outlined the Government’s and Department’s policies, targets and recent practices. At Copenhagen, they will call for a global fund of 100 billion dollars per year to help developing countries through.
But how best to do this? And how best to empower those on the ground to force a more enlightened and transparent government where needed? Questions from the audience prompted further discussion and comments from both speakers.
Some of the points raised included:
- What about aid delivered via general budget support to corrupt systems? What happens when it is via the Food Programme instead?
- Sector-based budget support can direct more specific funding but the problem is, it’s the donors then holding Governments to account, rather than their own people. Except that, of course, the provision of schools, clinics etc may enlighten people and thus lead to more control over the economic and financial workings of their country.)
- Can we have some good news to convince the man on the street and encourage all us “little me”s in the battle to win hearts and minds?
- Haiti’s debt relief at last; Ecuador and Bolivia’s participatory budgeting;
- The Bank of the South as an alternative to the World Bank
- Public attitude to Fair Trade has changed; where once seen as a charity it is now viewed as smart business sense (about 70% of households now make a conscious decision to buy Fair Trade and the F/T label has reached £1 billion of certified income.
- All the “little me”s banded together DO make a difference; especially at events like G8 Birmingham human chain and Gleneagles Summit.
- The postcard campaigns DO work but individual, personal letters are far more effective. It is much better, for example, to ask your MP to ask the relevant Minister about your concerns, rather than simply demand an Early Day Motion on . . . (and beware of circular e-mails, especially with “fill in your name here” un-deleted!!)
And so, finally, what now?
Well, we will be watching with anxious interest the outcomes at Copenhagen, the progress of the Government’s stated policies and yes, Mr Foster, we will still be flying the flag with our rainbow scarves (despite another of the MP’s tips, that these would pre-alert any otherwise unsuspecting politician as to the issue with which they’re about to be confronted!!)
Greenbelt 2009 Jottings
Posted by: audreymiller on: September 4, 2009
Jubilee Debt Campaign once again had a small stall at the Greenbelt Festival over the Bank holiday. I volunteered for a short spell and had some amusing experiences to share with other campaigners.
My main task was to engage with members of the public who were browsing the dozens of charity stalls in the marquee, and persuade them to sign a postcard to their MP about Vulture funds.
It was really encouraging that no one actually refused to sign! In fact one Anglican clergy signed two cards –
One for the MP she lobbies on behalf of her parish community in which the church is situated and a second MP in whose constituency she actually lives. The two MP’s are members of different parties, which again provides for interesting opportunity to play off one political party against the other.
I wonder how many other clergy with several churches to care for might have the same interesting campaigning opportunity. Any advance of two MP’s?
I was also encouraged to see that so many people actually knew their MP. Those who didn’t were able to give their postcode so that I could use the web
and add the name of their MP to the postcard at a latter stage.
Everyone was keen to take advantage of our free postal service and offer to deliver them by hand to the House of Commons. This set me thinking that we should be given free postal service when we write to our MP. Given the high cost of stamps it is yet another way that the poor are denied democratic rights to let their views be known.
Greenbelt is very much a Christian Festival and many of the festival goers have been committed to the debt campaign for over a decade. It was certainly not surprising to see so many Jubilee rainbow scarves amongst the twenty one thousand attending. There was a huge range of music, talks, workshops and programme activities.
One new idea, which is taking hold, is the idea of using facebook to promote the campaign and sale of scarves to supporters.
John who is a new JDC worker changed his Facebook profile picture to one wearing his Rainbow JDC scarf and changed his status to recommend his friends to buy one and directed them to me to make a purchase: -
In one week five new sales! It will be fun to see how many rainbow scarves we can get onto Facebook?
The experience of collecting hundreds of postcards over the weekend was really encouraging to all the volunteers. To speak with the supporters face to face and have that feeling of solidarity is very helpful. Campaigners do need to be nurtured and encouraged in their endeavours either by talking to each other or via comments on the blog so do make your comments now!
It is clear that we all need to share our passion and anger so that we can be re energergised to fight the injustices we have exposed in Vulture funds.
Iceland proves that the debtor has rights too
Posted by: duncanmiller on: August 21, 2009
This blog is by Nick Dearden, of Jubilee Debt Campaign
Recent events in Iceland may have completed that countries transformation from free market, credit-fuelled billionaire playground to champion underdog. The Icelandic Parliament’s offer to the UK and Dutch governments earlier this week that it will pay back its debts but only at a level it can afford, could provide an invaluable model for how indebted nations can start putting the needs of their people ahead of the desires of the global financial markets.
Iceland has become synonymous with the financial crisis after nearly a decade of drinking neo-liberal kool aid. Around 2000 Iceland went on a deregulation and privatisation binge, totally reforming its financial sector, dropping bank reserve requirements, raising interest rates sharply, sucking in foreign capital and encouraging massive borrowing. It lived the dream being promoted by most European capitals at the time. So many millionaires flew into tiny Rejavik that a local politician demanded limitations on planes coming into the country.
Such a highly indebted financial system was, unsurprisingly, an early victim of the credit crunch, even though Iceland was not invested in sub-prime loans. Their situation was certainly not helped by Gordon Brown – proponent of the very policies Iceland had slavishly followed – who designated the country a terrorist state last October in order to seize Iceland’s banking assets in the UK. His attempt to derive popularity amongst investors at home neatly side-stepped the failure of UK authorities to adequately regulate UK investment.
The enormous anger that followed in Iceland toppled the government, and since then has radically reduced support in Iceland for the country’s membership of the EU. Most recently ordinary citizens have pushed members of the ruling coalition and opposition parties into opposing the enormous repayments being demanded by the British and Dutch governments.
That is the background to the decision earlier in the week of the Icelandic Parliament – the Althing –that it would repay its debts, but only at a rate it could afford. That is defined as spending no more than 4% growth in GDP to repay UK debts (and 2% for Dutch debts).
This decision, if implemented, is historical. Michael Hudson, Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, has said that it is the first agreement “since the 1920s to subordinate foreign debt to the country’s ability to pay”. Hudson is referring to the 1920s debate that raged over capping Germany’s First World War reparations repayments. Keynes argued at the time that insisting on debt repayments beyond a level which also allowed the country to grow would inevitably mean forcing Germany to sell its assets or alternatively to borrow more money. He predicted the subsequent anger and discontent caused in Germany, which led straight into World War II.
But the situation which Iceland is trying to deal with is one which has faced scores of developing countries for decades – countries with less responsibility for the current mess than Iceland. Many countries still have to pay unreasonable levels of debt by selling off assets, skewing their economy towards unsustainable export trade and foregoing their right to development.
Iceland is correct to assert that states in debt have rights that trump the rights of creditors to bleed their economies dry. When companies and municipalities become insolvent, they are protected by work-out laws – but no such work-out mechanism exists when it comes to countries.
If limiting Iceland’s debt repayments is right, the same must apply, to an even greater extent, to poorer countries. Lebanon spends over 50% of government expenditure in servicing debts, Uruguay 32% and the Philippines 31%. These states top a much longer list of developing countries who understand from experience the injustice of indebtedness better than any European government.
Iceland has led the way in standing up for the rights of debtors. It may be followed by a range of indebted Eastern European countries who are also currently having their economic policies dictated to them by the International Monetary Fund.
Jubilee Debt Campaign is a part of the Put People First platform.
For more background details read Michael Hudson’s article here.
Two Good News Stories this week
Posted by: audreymiller on: July 30, 2009
In my last post to you I asked you to take action and get in touch with your MP. JDC supporters all across the country have been doing just that and now I have some great news to share.
Last week, the British government announced a consultation on whether it should pass legislation to Stop Vulture Fund profiteering from poor country debt in UK courts. And, we also have indication from US congressional committee leaders that they are interested in moving forward with the Stop Vulture Funds in America.
At long last it would seem that the British Government is listening to moral arguments and may even take on board that this practice is outrageous to take funds from poor countries which was intended for those in need. Then to give the money to rich and powerful companies many of whom operate from tax havens.
The other good news story is that Minister for Development Mike Foster MP for Worcester has agreed to speak at a meeting in Worcester on September 15th. Also speaking on that night will be The Director of Jubilee Debt Campain, Nick Deardon who will able to voice our concerns about this and other aspect of forgiving debts.
Ps If anybody can explain trackback to me please get in touch
This is the blog of the local group of the UK campaign calling for cancellation of international Debt.
- Jim DeSantis: In America, politicians still don't get it! It's still business as usual in Congress - debt and more debt for our kids and grandkids! Jim
- Savannah: Awesome blog! I thought about starting my own blog too but I'm just too lazy so, I guess I
- Frank Scurley: I don't know If I said it already but ...Great
JDC Birmingham Photos
|
