tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland/77 2009-06-26T17:52:15Z Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3234 2009-06-26T17:38:51Z 2009-06-26T17:52:15Z

Eileen Scotland has laid down a challenge to the rest of the world by passing the most ambitious climate change legislation of any industrialised nation. The Scottish Parliament unanimously agreed to cut the country's emissions by 42 per cent by 2020, and at least 80 per cent by 2050, setting the benchmark for the rest of the world ahead of this year's UN Climate Change summit at Copenhagen. The outcome represents a huge victory for the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, of which Oxfam Scotland is a part, which has been campaigning tirelessly for the past three years for a strong Scottish Bill. Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "This is a truly momentous decision. The Scottish Parliament has voted for legislation that can be held up as an example to the rest of the world ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December. If Scotland can do this, why can't others? We urge world governments to follow Scotland's lead and act now to tackle the most pressing issue in our time, before it's too late." Leading elements of the bill include: At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels) At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels) Emissions from international aviation & shipping to be included from the start Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions ]]> Scotland has laid down a challenge to the rest of the world by passing the most ambitious climate change legislation of any industrialised nation. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3233 2009-06-25T10:51:29Z 2009-06-25T10:56:27Z

Eileen The Scottish Parliament led the world on Wednesday by passing the strongest climate change legislation of any industrialised nation. MSPs voted in favour of legislation that commits Scotland to: * at least 80% cuts of all greenhouse gases (on 1990 levels) by 2050; * a 2020 target of at least 42% reduction in greenhouse gases; * include the full effects of emissions from international aviation and shipping from the start; * a strong duty on all public bodies to make a full contribution to tackling climate change and; *strong energy efficiency measures to tackle fuel poverty and save energy. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) has been campaigning for three years to see these key elements included in the Bill. Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: "This is a truly momentous day. The Scottish Parliament has voted for legislation that will be held up as a positive example to the world ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December. An emissions reduction target of at least 42% and the inclusion of aviation and shipping from the start sets Scotland's Bill apart from the UK Act. We hope other developed nations will hear this call for action and follow Scotland's lead. Now that MSPs from all parties have made these moral commitments, they have a responsibility to do what is necessary to deliver them. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland commends the Liberal Democrats and Greens for introducing robust targets early in the process and Labour and the SNP for their strong targets as the Bill neared conclusion."]]> The Scottish Parliament led the world on Wednesday by passing the strongest climate change legislation of any industrialised nation.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3229 2009-06-22T10:30:13Z 2009-06-22T14:34:01Z

Eileen John Magrath recently travelled to Malawi to help launch the new Oxfam report The Winds of Change: Climate Change, Poverty and the Environment in Malawi. Read his blog from Malawi, below, telling how the country and its people are coping with the effects of climate change. Listening to someone speaking from notes bears no comparison to listening to someone speaking from deep personal experience, as I found out recently. I was in Malawi to launch the Winds of Change: Climate Change, Poverty and the Environment in Malawi report. I was the principal author of the report, giving a talk on my findings. But my well-crafted words were outdone when Mrs Caroline Malema, a farmer from Karonga in northern Malawi, addressed the audience of government, donors and local media. Speaking without notes and in Chichewa (the local language), Caroline described what she saw in Karonga due to the impact of climate change. Caroline told how she saw more and more vulnerable women selling their bodies for sex because their situation was getting more desperate day by day as agriculture faltered because of climate change. She told how the women used to grow bananas on the Rukuru River, but increased floods have swept away the riverbank fields. They also used to grow rice, which was a good earner, but the floods have eroded the fertile fluvial soil and left nothing but sand on the fields. Selling sex means that HIV/AIDS is on the increase and women living with HIV, Caroline explained, need better nutrition to survive. But now that the rains are faltering, women can't grow enough cassava to protect their heath. Women with HIV/AIDS are also susceptible to other diseases. And now, rising temperatures mean that Karonga is infected with disease-carrying mosquitoes all year round, whereas before they used to be common only in the rainy season. Indeed, everyone there was very worried about the increase in droughts and floods in their various regions. As one of them said: "We all live downstream now." The audience, including government representatives, listened intently to Caroline's passionate and eloquent testimony about the damage climate change is wreaking on their lives. And her words have already had an impact. The new Malawian government has made climate change and environmental protection two of its main priorities to address over the next five years. This is a welcome commitment. The government spokespeople at the launch also said they would fight on climate justice and to ensure a strong African voice at the negotiating table for the international talks on climate change in Copenhagen in December. Now it's out turn and time for our governments to do our bit to ensure that a fair and safe deal is delivered for countries like Malawi at the UN climate talks in December. Considering that rich countries like the UK are responsible for three quarters of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to dangerous climate change, whereas Malawi produces less than 0.05 per cent, it's the least we can do. ]]> John Magrath recently travelled to Malawi to help launch the new Oxfam report The Winds of Change: Climate Change, Poverty and the Environment in Malawi. Read his blog from Malawi, below, telling how the country and its people are coping with the effects of climate change.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3204 2009-06-05T12:10:01Z 2009-06-05T16:46:33Z

Eileen Last chance for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill This month is vital in ensuring a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill. The Scottish Parliament is likely to make the final changes to the draft law on 24 and 25 June. We only have one month to make all the noise we can. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, of which Oxfam is a part, is organising the first mass lobby of the Scottish Parliament on June 24 from 12 - 2.30pm. The aim is to bring people from across Scotland to the Parliament to speak directly to their MSPs in support of early, tough action on climate change. We would like to invite you, wherever you are in Scotland, to join us in the Parliament at Holyrood to lobby your MSP in a last push to get the best climate change legislation in the world. Please join us at this crucial event. We will provide you with a fact-sheet before the event and updates on the day with last minute news. And if you need it, we can help with some travel costs. Go to www.foe-scotland.org.uk/masslobby for more info and to sign up. ]]> Last chance for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3200 2009-05-28T12:25:44Z 2009-05-28T13:12:10Z

Eileen June 15-21 is Refugee Week Scotland and in this, the Year of Homecoming, the theme for Refugee Week Scotland is HOME. To celebrate Refugee Week and the contribution refugees have made to Scotland, Oxfam Scotland has programmed a series of events, which we'd love you to come along to. You can also check out what refugees living in Scotland think of their new home by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfC7S0_V-NM Refugee Week Scotland is co-ordinated by Scottish Refugee Council. For more information, visit www.refugeeweek.org.uk/scotland Oxfam at Refugee Week Scotland: Home: Poetry Installation Friday 12 - Monday 29 June In the lead up to Refugee Week Scotland, Oxfam has been supporting poetry workshops, where refugees, migrants and Scots have been writing about what 'Home' means to them. The results are displayed as part of this event. Supported by The Welcoming, Oxfam Scotland, Coffee Republic, the Scottish Poetry Library and Essential Edinburgh with Poetry in St Andrew Square. St Andrew Square Garden (East end of George Street), Edinburgh, EH2 Free / For more info / www.spl.org.uk Home: Poetry readings in St Andrew Square Garden Thursday 18 June / 1pm Join us to listen to poems about 'Home'. Bring your sandwiches, share some snacks with us or treat yourself to a latte from Coffee Republic. Bring your favourite poem about what home means to you or write a few words on the spot. Supported by The Welcoming, Oxfam Scotland, Coffee Republic, the Scottish Poetry Library and Essential Edinburgh with Poetry in St Andrew Square. St Andrew Square Garden (East end of George Street), Edinburgh, EH2 Free / For more info / www.spl.org.uk Read a Book about Exile Monday 15 - Sunday 21 June In support of the Simple Acts Campaign (see www.simpleacts.org.uk), Oxfam Bookshops in Glasgow and Edinburgh will be displaying books written by refugees living in Scotland. Check these out for unique insights into the lives of refugees who have sought sanctuary in Scotland. Refugee Readings Tuesday 16 June / 7pm Join refugees from across the world, now living in Scotland, as they read their own poetry and prose in this inspiring event. Oxfam Bookshop, 330 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8AP £2 / Free for Refugees / Tickets available in store ]]> June 15-21 is Refugee Week Scotland and in this, the Year of Homecoming, the theme for Refugee Week Scotland is HOME. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3197 2009-05-25T10:22:26Z 2009-05-25T11:35:26Z

Eileen Climate Campaigners tell First Minister Climate Bill must be stronger The Scottish Climate Change Bill is currently going through the Scottish Parliament. Tomorrow (Tuesday May 26) the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee will meet to scrutinise the Bill at Stage Two of the parliamentary process. In an attempt to toughen up the Bill and make it truly world-leading, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland has written to First Minister, Alex Salmond, telling him the Bill doesn't go far enough. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is a coalition of over 60 development, environment and church groups, including Oxfam Scotland, WWF Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Christian Aid. Read the letter below. To read the report of the letter in today's Herald (Monday May 25) click here Office of the First Minister St Andrew's House Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG 22 May 2009 Dear First Minister, Early action in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill We are the leaders of the groups in Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, a coalition of more than sixty charities, unions and churches representing more than two million people in Scotland. We are writing to you to ask you to show international leadership by improving the proposals for action in the early years of the Climate Change Bill. The Scottish Government is to be commended for having brought forward a Bill that concentrates our efforts on tackling climate change at this crucial time. We share your desire for this to be a world-leading piece of legislation and believe it can be done, provided there is a genuine commitment to early action in the Bill. We welcome the proposed shift of the interim greenhouse gas emissions target from 2030 to 2020, but we are very disappointed at the Government's amendments setting the 2020 target at only 34%. If emissions continue to fall at their present rate, we are already on track to make a 32% cut by 2020. The claims made about the Climate Change Bill being "world-leading" cannot be justified if in a decade it delivers merely a 2 per cent improvement on business-as-usual. One of the key things the scientists tell us is that we must take early action - we cannot start slow and leave all the real savings to people in the future, when it will be more expensive, more difficult and less effective in tackling climate change. There is common agreement that global emissions need to peak and then decline by 2015 if we are to keep the total warming below the 2°C danger threshold. Scotland, like all other industrialised nations, should therefore try to reduce emissions quickly in the next decade. We have in the past described the Bill as "potentially world-leading." The Government's proposed targets of 34%, rising to 42% only if other nations make specified commitments at Copenhagen, not only suggest a reluctance to lead internationally but also copy exactly the targets set by the UK Government. Scotland has superior renewable energy potential, a skilled engineering workforce, and a more progressive political culture than most of our partners: we should be leading, not following, on climate change. Your own announcements suggest that you know this to be the case. In the Scottish Parliament debate on your legislative programme, you promised that "in every respect the legislation will be more ambitious than the Labour Government legislation." However, in this most crucial respect, it is a carbon copy of the Labour government legislation. In your capacity as MP for Banff and Buchan, you signed an Early Day Motion on 21 April this year stating that adopting a target of 42% cuts by 2020, without reliance on international carbon credits, right away "would show international leadership on climate change legislation", and calling on the UK Government to set such a target. It is hard for us to understand why your Government would appear to think Scotland is less well equipped to show leadership on climate change than the UK is. Finally, your manifesto gave a clear commitment that your Climate Change Bill would deliver at least 3% reductions every year. That would give a 43% reduction by 2020. This was your key promise to voters concerned about the environment; we urge you to honour this commitment and now set a minimum target of 42% for 2020. Yours sincerely, Mike Robinson Chair, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Dr Richard Dixon Director, WWF Scotland Gurjit Singh President, National Union of Students Scotland Dave Watson Scottish Organiser, Unison Scotland Duncan McLaren Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth Scotland John Riley Chairman, Scottish Action on Climate Change Colin Howden Director, Transform Scotland Gavin McLellan Head of Christian Aid Scotland Rachel Nunn Programme Manager, Going Carbon Neutral Stirling Tom Brock Chief Executive, Scottish Seabird Centre Paul Chitnis Chief Executive, SCIAF Liz Murray Head of Campaigns and Networks Scotland, WDM Ellen Charlton Chairperson, National Commission for Justice and Peace (Scotland) Mhairi Owens Head of Concern Worldwide Scotland Jeni McKay Director, SEAD Andrew Warren Director, Association for the Conservation of Energy Judith Robertson Head of Oxfam Scotland Stuart Housden Director, RSPB Scotland Reverend Ian Galloway Convenor of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland Pete Chirnside National Manager, Tearfund Scotland Steve Hughes Chief Executive, A Rocha Scotland Ruth Bush President, Heriot-Watt University Students Association Kate Mavor Chief Executive, National Trust for Scotland Dave du Feu Lead Organiser, Spokes The Most Reverend Doctor Idris Jones Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway Angela Douglas Woodland Trust Scotland Director ]]> Climate campaigners tell First Minister Climate Bill must be stronger ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3195 2009-05-22T10:38:22Z 2009-05-22T12:11:00Z

Eileen Oxfam has had to double its aid effort in Pakistan as the number of displaced goes over 2 million, making the crisis the greatest internal displacement of people in the country's history. The agency had previously planned for £2.2m programme reaching 175,000 people. Now, as the numbers of people needing urgent assistance mounts, Oxfam has boosted its efforts to a £5.3m programme reaching 360,000 people with clean water and sanitation, food and public hygiene information. People can donate to Oxfam by calling: 0300 200 1999 or by going online at: www.oxfam.org.uk. Neva Khan, Oxfam country director in Pakistan said, "We've been seeing thousands of families continuing to flee their homes, many walking great distances to find food, water, medicine, shelter and other essential items. This is now a massive humanitarian crisis. We have never witnessed such huge numbers of people fleeing conflict inside Pakistan before. With the Pakistani authorities and aid agencies already severely stretched, a further influx could turn this crisis into a catastrophe." Since the fighting started in April over 1.5 million people have fled their homes, bringing the total number of those displaced by conflict to over two million since August last year. It is estimated that nearly half of those displaced are children. Conditions in official camps are still extremely difficult with shortages of essential items such as food, water, sanitation facilities, shelter, and health care. Most displaced people are staying with host families, with large numbers in temporary shelters such as schools, or spontaneous camps. Oxfam is concerned about people staying with host families. They are less visible than people in camps but have urgent needs so special efforts are required to ensure they are not neglected. Conditions in spontaneous camps are very poor. They are scattered across the region and harder to assist, but local people and organisations are generously providing help. Displaced women and girls are especially vulnerable wherever they find themselves. ]]> Oxfam has had to double its aid effort in Pakistan as the number of displaced goes over 2 million, making the crisis the greatest internal displacement of people in the country's history.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3193 2009-05-21T12:53:39Z 2009-05-22T12:08:59Z

Eileen As President Obama meets with Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and says 'settlements must stop', Malcolm Fleming of Oxfam Scotland reflects on his recent visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and his experiences of demolition of Palestinian settlements there. The day I visited Al-Grein in Israel was Nur's fourth birthday. When we arrived, her celebration was in full swing in the local nursery school. Twenty toddlers singing, playing and having fun, with all the ingredients of a great kids' party: juice, sweets, balloons, music and dancing. Nur was clearly delighted to be the centre of attention and I can vouch that her birthday cake was very tasty. Al-Grein is one of the 'un-recognised' villages in the Negev desert area of Israel. Unrecognised because, despite having been there since the early 1950s, the Israeli authorities have neither recognised its right to exist, nor provided basic facilities such as water or electricity or public transport. And unrecognised, despite the families being moved from their own land to this area by the Israeli army back in 1951. 'That makes it an unrecognised nursery' my Oxfam colleague Jamal Atamny said wryly. The nursery was well equipped and looked lovely, with kids' paintings adorning the walls, just like any nursery school in Scotland. I visited Nur's school about two months ago. By now, the nursery may well have been demolished, as when I was there, a demolition order had been served on it by the Israeli authorities. "I have a document, which was given to my father back in 1951, that states that we would only be moved here for six months", said 47-year-old father of five Ali Abu Shcheta, who is amazingly calm for a man whose house, which joins onto the nursery, is also due for demolition. Perhaps he is resigned to it, or has a quiet determination to resist the destruction of his family home and the community nursery school he is clearly proud of. "It's ridiculous", he adds, "everywhere else in the world, states invest to raise and protect their children. Except here, where the government invests in the opposite approach and does not care." Oxfam, which runs poverty reduction programmes in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, has been helping Al-Grien village with support for community facilities and support in securing their rights, but it is an uphill struggle. Demolition was to be a recurring theme during my two-week visit to Israel and the West Bank. I was shocked again and again by how the Israeli authorities have demolished and are demolishing Palestinian homes, and at the same time, failing to grant planning permission for new construction. This is a practice that appears to be very one-sided: Israeli applicants seem to have no problem getting planning permission even for building settlements in the occupied West Bank, a practice illegal under international law, as is the occupation itself under UN Security Council resolutions. During my visit I stayed in a small hotel in East Jerusalem. Only two minutes walk away a family were living in a tent beside their demolished house. A ten-minute walk in the other direction and you reached the community of Silwan. Here eighty-eight houses, most of them over sixty years old, have been served demolition orders, (two have already been demolished), ostensibly because they were built without permits, even though most were built before the state of Israel was established and were inherited from the current residents' parents. The Israeli authorities wish to build a park and tourist attraction on the site. This is only a few minutes' walk from the Old City of Jerusalem, the ancient centre of the city where pilgrims and tourists and locals converge to visit and worship at the holy sites of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Abd Shlode, a young Silwan resident, told me "The final goal for Israel's action in this area is to impose the Jewish flavour on the whole area and move the Palestinian Jerusalemites." You might think that the destruction of your family home, being forced off of the land your family have lived on for generations, and being forced into making do in a tent was bad enough, but just to add insult to grievous injury, in many cases you can then expect a bill for the cost of demolition. If you don't pay you can find yourself in jail. A look at the statistics backs up the view that Israeli law is applied differently in East Jerusalem compared to West Jerusalem. In 2004 and 2005, despite there being almost four times the number of breaches of planning law recorded in Jewish West Jerusalem, there were almost five times the number of demolitions in East Jerusalem. This was my first time in Israel and Palestine. I thought I was reasonably aware of what was happening. I have read about the area in books and newspapers, and try to keep up to date with international news, but was shocked again and again by the inequity of what is happening there. I was struck by the way that the state of Israel treats you totally differently be you Palestinian or Israeli, Muslim, Christian or Jew. It is glaringly clear that each community is treated different by the authorities, despite living cheek by jowl, and that as a Palestinian you have far fewer rights, and the rights you do have are not upheld. Rights that are infringed daily include freedom of movement, access to water, security of tenure on your land, access to medical services, the right to travel without harassment and the right to access your farmland. Some of the differences are not immediately apparent, or are apparent only in the application of laws, not the laws themselves. Others are more blatant. Certain roads in the West Bank are banned to cars with Palestinian number plates. You can only drive along them if your car has the yellow number plates from Israel, but cannot if you have the White West Bank plates that denote Palestinian ownership. That is segregation. Security is cited as the over-riding reason for much of what goes on. It is totally understandable that security is important in a society that has buried its dead again and again after terrorist attacks over many years, and security issues remain real today. However, it became clear to me that removing basic rights for virtually all of the Palestinian population for the acts of a few is not only morally wrong, but doing so could also threaten future stability and security for everyone. I was surprised at how the vast majority of Israeli society seemed okay with, or ignorant of, the blatant human rights violations on their doorstep. I got the impression that this stems from a very one-sided media view and a very efficient Israeli government PR machine. I was also struck by the demonisation of Palestinians, and Arabs in general, as being terrorists. That was certainly the view I picked up when meeting and talking with ordinary Israeli citizens when, in an effort to learn what the average Israeli Jerusalemite thought, I walked over to the city centre of West Jerusalem and struck up conversations in a couple of the pubs there. Of course the suggestion that all or most Palestinians (far less all Arabs) are terrorists because of the actions of some, makes no more sense that the suggestion that all Irish are terrorists because of the actions of the IRA, however it seems to be common currency. Certainly the Palestinians I met were doing their best to make ends meet, earn a living, bring up their children and put food on the table, in difficult and provocative circumstances. My Palestinian Oxfam colleagues, for example, are no more a terrorist than I, or their Israeli colleagues, yet as Palestinians they would clearly be considered a security threat or at least much more of a threat than me as a UK passport holder. The evidence lies in the myriad of checks they face just travelling from the West Bank to the Oxfam office in Jerusalem, and the curfew they are subject to which means they cannot spend an evening socialising with colleagues in Jerusalem. In the West Bank, south of Hebron, lies Suseya, an Israeli settlement built on the land of the neighbouring Palestinian village of the same name. The Palestinian village of 100 families has dwindled to 35 families as people have fled from intimidation from settlers. The 35 families remaining have had their homes demolished five times, each time rebuilding, but now their homes are tents, some of them erected by Oxfam in the hope that they will be less of a target for demolition and, if they are demolished, less of a loss. Taking shade from the sun inside one of the tents, we sip sweet tea as 49-year-old Khaled Na'aja, points out of the tent door to the settlement perhaps half a mile away, home to over 200 settlers. Like many Israeli settlements, it was established by a couple of families moving caravans onto the site, and then the Israeli authorities provided security and then services such as water and electricity. Clearly the presence of the remaining Palestinian families is unwelcome. "The settlers attack, but not every day. Kids walking to school are stoned by settlers, car tyres slashed, Molotov cocktails are thrown in tents, people have been shot." I ask Khaled if he has any message for the international community. He replies, "I am asking all people of conscience, who like peace and freedom, we want to live in peace. We want to live in dignity and peace, just go to work and come back to our families." Again I am struck by his calmness in the face of such intimidation, as he adds "we don't think all Israelis are like the settlers, we know some are trying to help us." Khaled is referring to our guide on this occasion, 27-year-old ex-Israeli soldier Ilan Fathi. Ilan is from an Oxfam partner organisation called Breaking the Silence, and has been showing us round Hebron and the surrounding district where he served in the Israeli Defence Force, (IDF). Breaking the Silence is made up of a group of ex-IDF soldiers who believe that Israel, in Ilan's words, "is paying a huge moral price for this occupation", and who collect testimonies from other ex-soldiers, over 700 to date. In Israel it is clearly not easy to speak out as Ilan and others are doing, and he has been ostracised by some family members. But he and others from Breaking the Silence are saying that what is happening is wrong. "Before I joined up I spent the summer teaching school kids about environmental issues like recycling, then as a soldier I was throwing teargas at school kids. People who join the IDF think it is about protecting the country, but throwing teargas at kids can't be about protecting the state of Israel." Of the many people I met in Israeli and Palestine - be it four-year old Nur; Ali, Abd or Khaled, who were resisting demolition of their homes; the people in the bars of West Jerusalem; or some of the many other people I met but have not mentioned here - it was Ilan who represented hope. Although he did not agree, he and the work of Breaking the Silence made me feel that, some day, if more young Israelis join his ranks, a peaceful resolution could be found here. Here's hoping. Click here for more information on Oxfam's work in Palestine and Israel ]]> As President Obama meets with Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and says 'settlements must stop', Malcolm Fleming of Oxfam Scotland reflects on his recent visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3167 2009-05-01T10:47:07Z 2009-05-01T16:20:21Z

Eileen The Scottish Parliament's Climate Change Committee has just published a report on its recommendations of what should be in the Scottish Climate Change Bill. Click here for the report MSPs will gather at the Parliament next Wednesday and Thursday (May 6 and 7) to debate these recommendations and decide if they should be accepted or amended. We need as many MSPs as possible to turn up for the debate and show their support for recommendations that will strengthen the bill. Without this, the bill could be watered down and fail to meet its potential as a world-leading piece of climate change legislation that will set the bar for global talks later this year. To ask your MSPs (you have one constituency MSP and seven regional MSPs) to go to the debate and show support for recommendations that strengthen the bill, click here to download this simple email and send it to them as soon as possible, to make sure it gets there before the debate on Wednesday. You can find out who your MSPs are, by visiting www.theyworkforyou.com Oxfam is part of the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland. Visit www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland for more information. ]]> The Scottish Parliament's Climate Change Committee has just published a report on its recommendations of what should be in the Scottish Climate Change Bill. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3160 2009-04-27T14:38:47Z 2009-04-28T09:45:25Z

Eileen Nominations have opened for the annual Refugee Week Scottish Media Awards, organised by Oxfam Scotland's Asylum Positive Images Network. The awards, now in their fourth year, highlight positive and influential reporting about asylum and refugee-related issues in Scotland. Entries will be accepted in the following categories: print national (Scotland); print local; broadcast media; photography; and, digital/online media. The deadline for submissions is 5pm Friday May 15, 2009 Entries should demonstrate a positive contribution to and a wider understanding of the asylum debate. They will be considered in terms of accuracy, originality and impact and the story must have a strong Scottish connection. The awards will be presented at a special event on the evening of Friday June 19 2009 at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow as one of the highlights of Refugee Week Scotland. How to Enter

• You can enter your own work or the work of a colleague
• Members of the public can also nominate the work of a journalist
• Entries must have been published or broadcast between May 1 2008 and April 30 2009
• Submissions for the award are open to journalists working freelance or on staff in Scotland, in print, broadcast or web-based media
• Print submissions should be made by post or by email in pdf format. Pictures should be on CD. Please send broadcast submissions in DVD or CD format. For online submissions, please email a link to the piece
• The deadline for submissions is 5pm Friday May 15, 2009
• The judges' decision is final
• The judges will not enter into any correspondence regarding the judging of the competition
• Oxfam is not able to return any submitted entries

You can submit your entry by post or email to Jason Bergen at: E Mail: jbergen@oxfam.org.uk Post: Oxfam 207 Bath Street Glasgow, G2 4HZ Please mark all entries as 'Entry to Refugee Week Scottish Media Awards' and enclose the following information: If you are entering your own material: Your name: Address: Telephone: Email: Category you are entering: Title of submission: Date submission was published or broadcast: Name of publication/broadcast/website in which submission featured: If you are nominating someone else's material: Your name: Address: Telephone: Email: Journalist's name: Address: Telephone: Email: Category: Title of submission: Date submission was published or broadcast: Name of publication/broadcast/website in which submission featured: Any entry that does not include the above information will be deemed to be void. What happens next? The entries will be considered by a panel of judges, including people seeking asylum, exiled journalists and other media professionals. A shortlist will be drawn up and those who feature will be notified by Monday June 8, 2009. Please note, all entrants (not just those shortlisted) will be invited to the Refugee Week Scottish Media Awards ceremony. Other Information The Refugee Week Scottish Media Awards is organised by the Asylum Positive Images Network (APIN), facilitated by Oxfam Scotland. APIN comprises exiled journalists, refugee community organisations, refugee support organisations, NGOs, the NUJ, universities and public sector agencies. The awards are part of Refugee Week Scotland 2009, which runs June 15-21. www.refugeeweek.org.uk Further information about the awards and APIN can be obtained by contacting Jason Bergen at: Oxfam, 207 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HZ, telephone 0141 285 8884 or email jbergen@oxfam.org.uk ]]> Nominations have opened for the annual Refugee Week Scottish Media Awards, organised by Oxfam Scotland's Asylum Positive Images Network.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3159 2009-04-27T14:16:30Z 2009-04-27T15:24:51Z

Eileen Oxfam Scotland has launched a massive year-long campaign to convince Prime Minister Gordon Brown to prioritise global action on climate change at UN meetings taking place in Copenhagen in December. The campaign, Here and Now, calls on Brown to lead the way in the UN climate talks to make sure everyone gets a fair and safe deal to enable them to fight the human cost of climate change. Oxfam is already seeing the impact of climate change in the communities its works with in countries around the world. Millions of people are struggling to cope with its consequences. They are losing their homes, livelihoods and lives. And the poorest, those least responsible for climate change and with the least resources to cope, are hit the worst. The forecast is worse: a new report from Oxfam predicts that in six years' time, the number of people affected by crises related to climate change is set to rise by 54 per cent to 375 million people, threatening to overwhelm the humanitarian aid system. Elvis Sukali of Oxfam Malawi, who launched the Here and Now campaign in the Prime Minister's Kirkcaldy constituency, said: "Climate Change is about people, and people in my country are already suffering and losing their livelihoods because of it. It really is no exaggeration to say that, at this meeting of the UN in December, Gordon Brown and other world leaders have the opportunity to save lives and deliver a better future for everyone, not just the wealthiest countries." K T Tunstall also leant her support to the campaign. She said: "The human cost of climate change is becoming increasingly clear, which is why we in the UK must demand action and a change of attitude Here and Now. How often is there a real chance to save the world? Political leaders meeting in Copenhagen this year have the power to choose whether they attempt it or not, so it's crucial that Gordon Brown ensures that they grasp this opportunity before it's too late." You can join the campaign and petition Gordon Brown directly by going to www.oxfam.org.uk/hereandnow or texting 'PM' to 87099. Standard network rates apply. ]]> Oxfam Scotland has launched a massive year-long campaign to convince Prime Minister Gordon Brown to prioritise global action on climate change.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3157 2009-04-22T16:57:49Z 2009-04-23T09:20:07Z

Eileen MSPs must pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by three per cent year-on-year from now if they are to deliver a strong Climate Change Bill that saves lives, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said at a Climate Change Rally outside the Scottish Parliament. Hundreds gathered at Holyrood to urge changes to the Scottish Climate Change Bill, which is currently going through the Scottish Parliament. The bill promises to make an 80 per cent cut in emissions from all six greenhouse gases (not just carbon) by 2050. To this end, the bill requires ministers to set unspecified targets each year until 2020, and an annual reduction of three per cent thereafter. But although these commitments have the potential to make a difference, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) told MSPs that they are not enough: annual targets cannot wait until 2020. Mike Robinson, Chairperson of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: "Annual emission reductions of at least three percent year-on-year need to kick in straightaway. This was promised in the SNP manifesto, but is not currently reflected in the bill. This isn't something that can wait until 2020. If Scotland is to genuinely take a lead in tackling climate change, the need for urgent action is now." Ends ]]> MSPs must pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by three per cent year-on-year from now if they are to deliver a strong Climate Change Bill that saves lives.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3146 2009-04-17T11:51:39Z 2009-05-22T12:09:53Z

Eileen Oxfam Scotland warned Chancellor Alistair Darling that huge cuts in overseas aid, planned as part of next week's Budget, would be a gross betrayal of millions of poor people already suffering as a result of the global recession and a betrayal of the hundreds of thousands of campaigners who marched in Edinburgh to Make Poverty History in 2005, including many of his own constituents. The Budget could include cuts of up to £860 million a year in planned aid spending with ministers citing the economic downturn as an excuse to renege on aid commitments. The Government pledged, in its 2007 spending review, to give £7.5bn in overseas aid during 2009-10. But Oxfam understands this could be cut to £6.6bn next year, only a negligible increase over the current £6.4bn. Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said "In 2005 the G8, including the UK, made historic commitments, here in Scotland, to increase aid spending to reduce poverty. They did that because of the campaigning efforts of millions of ordinary people from Scotland and around the world, including quarter of a million marching around Alistair Darling's home city of Edinburgh. "Now the Chancellor is considering breaking those commitments and that cannot be allowed to happen. To do so would be a betrayal of millions of poor people around the world, and a betrayal of the hundreds of thousands of campaigners who demanded that the UK joined other countries to Make Poverty History." Max Lawson, Oxfam senior policy advisor, said "The Government should not use the economic recession and statistical sleight of hand as excuses to cut aid to poor countries at the very time when they need it most. " This money was promised, at the Gleneagles G8, to help poor countries Make Poverty History, a promise reaffirmed in the latest spending review and supported by David Cameron. " If all rich countries break their promises in this way, the $50 billion promised for developing countries at Gleneagles will be reduced by almost a fifth to just $41bn. That would deprive millions of men and women of basic healthcare, millions of children of the chance to go to school and millions of people of access to clean water, one of life's most basic necessities. " Reducing future UK aid would send out exactly the wrong message just weeks after the Prime Minister successfully lobbied his fellow leaders to provide a bailout for poor people hit hard by the global downturn. " It could fatally undermine the 'new world order' based on fairness that Gordon Brown announced at the G20 summit in London. He cannot expect other countries to follow his lead if the UK reneges on its own aid promises." £860 million could pay for 1.3 million teachers, enough to teach 50 million children, or for more than 300,000 trained nurses. The threat of cuts comes at a time when a weaker pound is already reducing the amount UK aid money will buy abroad. Combined with the projected aid cut, it could reduce the value of UK aid by more than a third in 2010. The Treasury is arguing privately that a shrinking domestic economy allows the UK to reduce the aid budget, while remaining on-track to meet its commitment to increase the proportion of national income spent on aid to 0.7 per cent by 2013. But this takes no account of the need in poor countries which has increased further as poor people are hit by declining trade, falling foreign investment and drops in remittances. Ends. ]]> Oxfam Scotland warned Chancellor Alistair Darling that huge cuts in overseas aid, planned as part of next week's Budget, would be a gross betrayal of millions of poor people already suffering as a result of the global recession.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3145 2009-04-17T11:36:25Z 2009-04-20T11:33:54Z

Eileen As the Scottish Climate Change Bill nears a critical point in its journey through Parliament, the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition is calling on MSPs of all parties to make it a world leading piece of legislation. Members and supporters of the diverse groups making up the coalition will gather outside the Scottish Parliament at 12 noon on Wednesday 22 April to call on MSPs to deliver the following through the Bill:

• Statutory annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 3% year on year starting now
• The inclusion of emissions from international aviation and shipping from the beginning
• Ensure that the action to tackle climate change takes place in Scotland and is not 'bought in' from overseas

The rally seeks to demonstrate to MSPs the widespread public support for a strong Bill that reflects the urgency of the situation regarding climate change. More than 21,000 people responded during the consultation period of the bill; the 22 April rally is timed to remind MSPs of these concerns just before the stage 1 report of the Bill is published. Duncan McLaren, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said "Annual cuts of at least 3 per cent a year are the absolute minimum that the science demands to keep within a fair and safe total carbon budget. If Scotland is to embrace our moral responsibility and take a lead in tackling climate chaos we must adopt statutory and enforceable targets. The Government is baulking at such a commitment - but the Scottish Parliament can still ensure that the Climate Bill is strong and effective." Mike Robinson, Chairperson of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said "This year is a unique opportunity for people across the world to say 'enough is enough' and demand urgent action on climate change. Scotland will soon become one of very few countries in the world with specific climate change laws. We have the opportunity to lead the way internationally, but despite strong political rhetoric, at the moment, the Bill is not world-leading. The inclusion of emissions from international aviation and shipping from the beginning would help ensure that it is." Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said "Millions of people around the world are struggling to cope with the consequences of climate change. Floods, cyclones and storms are threatening the livelihoods of over 250 million people a year. And the poorest - those least responsible for it and with the least resources to cope - are hit the worst. "This bill is a basis for genuinely world-leading climate change legislation that will saves lives. But it needs to be stronger. This is not just an issue for future generations, but for vulnerable people today who are suffering the devastating effects of global warming. The need for urgent action is now." As a visual representation of the breadth of public support for a strong bill, hundreds of colourful 'stick people' created by supporters will be placed around the Scottish Parliament. ENDS ]]> As the Scottish Climate Change Bill nears a critical point in its journey through Parliament, the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition is calling on MSPs of all parties to make it a world leading piece of legislation. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3144 2009-04-17T11:16:25Z 2009-04-20T11:39:56Z

Eileen A new report highlights the flaws and failings of the current Incapacity Benefit System and warns that recent changes and proposals do not offer a solution. 'To Banker from Bankies' sets out how the Incapacity System as it now operates is 'hassling' people who are not well enough to work and how the methods employed against ill people lead to unnecessary and counterproductive stress. The report calls for the government to create a humane welfare system and separate the myths and the stereotypes by listening to people who are receiving benefits. The report's authors, Dr Chik Collins of the University of the West of Scotland, working together with Janice Dickson and Mary Collins of the Clydebank Independent Resource Centre (CIRC), have addressed the report to former banker, David Freud, whose ideas were the inspiration for recent and ongoing reforms - like the introduction of Employment Support Allowance, the continuing privatisation of employment services and the current Welfare Reform Bill. The 'Bankies' are the people at the CIRC, which has evolved over four decades and provides a welfare rights service for Clydebank. The Centre is urging politicians to stand up for vulnerable people and to stop proposed changes from being implemented. The report is part-funded and supported by Oxfam Scotland. Speaking about the Incapacity Benefit System Dr Chik Collins said, "The government's drive to get people back to work has resulted in inappropriate, wasteful and counterproductive action against people who are simply not fit to work. "We need change, but not by going down the government line. The government wants privatisation of the Department of Work and Pensions functions and punitive measures to force claimants into work. But there is no evidence that will be more efficient or effective than the public sector working with people positively rather than punitively. The evidence points the other way. The government's measures will be wasteful and counterproductive. "Medical assessors are increasingly under pressure to think less about individuals than about the targets set by government and the profits of private companies. That can't be good. And of course all these reforms were dreamt up in the boom. In the current recession they have lost what little credibility they might have had." Jim Boyle, Programme Coordinator for Oxfam Scotland added, "Once again it is the most vulnerable people in society who are having to justify the money they receive. In the light of recent events in the banking sector this is hugely ironic. " There is a perception that benefits are an easy option but most of us know and politicians now agree that we would struggle to live off the amounts people are given. What we need is for the politicians to seriously listen to the people who are at the sharp end of the benefits system. They should then act on what they hear. Maybe then we can see the emergence of a system that gives people who are unwell and not fit to work dignity instead of constantly having to justify their illnesses within an uncaring system. " Mary Collins of the Clydebank Independent Resource Centre commented, "Politicians and those 'in the know' must ask themselves in what direction they are going with the benefit system. In a system where people who can barely stand because of their medical condition and yet have to appeal in order to retain their Incapacity Benefit, there is something dreadfully wrong. " We see more and more people through our doors who are told they are not eligible for benefits or have had their entitlement to benefits such as Incapacity Benefit withdrawn, yet when their case is reviewed or appealed their benefit is usually reinstated. The fact is that the current legislation is going to exacerbate this already shameful practice and has the potential to cause further suffering for individuals, who in many cases are suffering from mental health problems. The future does not look so bright." ENDS ]]> A new report highlights the flaws and failings of the current Incapacity Benefit System and warns that recent changes and proposals do not offer a solution.]]>