tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland/77 2009-11-20T14:46:54Z Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3312 2009-11-20T09:47:08Z 2009-11-20T14:46:54Z

Eileen Islanders on South Uist demand action to tackle the impacts of climate change. Local residents gathered in Daliburgh, South Uist to voice their concerns about the impacts of climate change on the Western Isles and to demand action to prevent further loss of land, livelihoods and life. Chaired by Oxfam Scotland, the Western Isles Climate Hearing heard testimonies from local people about how costal erosion, rising sea levels and more severe weather events were affecting the future of the islands and the ability of islanders to fish, croft and crop. They put their concerns to a panel of agencies, including representatives from CoastAdapt, Scottish National Heritage and academics looking into the impacts of climate change on the Western Isles. Residents on South Uist told the hearing that they were already feeling the effects of climate change and more needed to be done to help them to cope and adapt. They said that due to increased winter rainfall and more severe weather events, the low-lying islands were now more vulnerable to flooding. They warned that unless better drainage and defence systems were installed, South Uist could eventually split, making much of it uninhabitable. Many also referred back to the storm of 2005 in which three generations of one family were tragically washed off the causeway by a freak wave caused by a storm surge. They expressed concern that despite this, progress on installing better defences had not been made. They also demanded the development of early warning systems for dangerous areas to prevent future loss of life, as winter weather conditions are set to get worse. Donald Campbell, a local resident and ghillie (loch fisherman), said: "In my industry, we use nature as our barometer. We are out in it all the time and observe the changes. We are getting a lot more rain through winter into spring. Then last summer, we had ten weeks without any rain at all. This is affecting cropping and crofting. These are things that we cannot change. All we can do is prepare for them." Seumas MacDonald, local resident, said: "The 2005 storm broke onto the Machair at Kilphedar. We see the land going and nothing has been spent to stop it. If money had been spent on the land, there could be quite a good defence system in place now. With the next storm that comes, the Machair will disappear all together." Donald MacKinnon, chairman of Lochboisdale Community Council, added: "We have already had loss of life here. We can't get much worse than that." Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, who chaired the Climate Hearing, said: "In all the countries Oxfam is working in across the world, we see climate change devastating people's lives. But this isn't just happening in developing countries. It is happening here in Scotland as well. "Why we have come to South Uist is that we want to understand the impacts of climate change from the perspectives of people who are living with it every day. This isn't something that is happening in 20 or 30 years time. This is happening here and now, in Scotland, and we need to take action, before it's too late." Climate Predictions for South Uist: By 2030, South Uist will experience warmer and wetter winters, wetter springs and autumns, warmer and drier summers, and a decrease in cloud coverage in all seasons except summer. By 2080, sea levels will have risen by at least 37cm. (from SEPA) See BBC iPlayer for Newsnight Scotland report. ]]> Islanders on South Uist demand action to tackle the impacts of climate change.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3311 2009-11-20T09:46:06Z 2009-11-20T10:56:22Z

Eileen Ahead of The Wave, Scotland's biggest demonstration demanding action on climate change, Oxfam Scotland's Aideen McLaughlin reports from Thailand on how villagers living in coastal areas are coping with the advancing sea. Perched on the edge of the Gulf of Thailand just one hour south of Bangkok, the Khum Samut Chin Temple stands guard over its local village, physically and spiritually protecting it from the rising water. Open to the elements and marooned up to its waist at high tide, the Temple is the area's last bastion in a long and hard fight against the climate. Thai climate experts say 600 km of the Thai coastline has already been lost due to climate change, with the Gulf suffering the worst rate of coastal erosion in the country. The Khun Smut Chin village has been robbed of 1km of land already, with houses, schools and health centres swallowed by the tide. Looking out to sea from the raised rickety bridge that links the Temple to the land, I can see some evidence of what once was this village. Most of it is buried deep, with only the very tallest visible above the waterline. Water tanks, which sat atop rooves of houses to collect rainwater, peep out, with two metres of tank sunk below the surface. The most significant signs of life are the telegraph poles, which once marked the road through the village, rising like giants out of the water. "It's like they walked into the sea," the village headwoman, Samorn Kendsamut tells me. According to Samorn, who was born in the village, all the houses used to be located in front of the Temple. Each home had three to four acres of land around it. People lived simply but adequately off their patch and from the sea, fishing and farming shrimp. But with more extreme and unpredictable weather events, contributing to increased wave power and sea level rise (the past twenty years, the monsoon waves have doubled in size) all that has changed. Samorn says: "Life is hard. Most people here have had to move ten or 11 times because their houses have been destroyed. Now there is nowhere for us to move to. We cannot plan a thing, but the storm takes it away. We now only have 30 per cent of the fish we used to have. The shrimp farming has all but disappeared and everybody is bankrupt. Occupations have had to change and it is a struggle to survive. It has taken its toll on us." Climate change hits poor people first and worse, those least responsible for the emissions causing climate change and with the least resources to cope. And nowhere is this more evident than here in Khun Samut Chin. The village now consists of about 100 families, half of its previous population. When I visit, in the middle monsoon season, the rain is relentless and we are reduced to walking bare foot as no shoes can master the slippery quagmire below. Sleep was hard to be had in my stilted bamboo hut, as the water swirled below me and the lightning storm flashed through the holes for windows, waking me up to the realities of the climate. All the villagers live behind the Temple now, their current houses floating in a sea of debris, the flotsam and jetsam of their previous lives. Everywhere, the smell of stagnant water pervades. The school is now in its third location, the children's playground a sodden mudflat. People get around by boat or on foot on manmade causeways, their resilience and resourcefulness evident in their reluctance to give in and in the way they have adapted their lives to cope. Their perseverance is echoed by the monks, who look after the Temple. Abbot Somnuek Athipanyo, the chief Monk, says: "When I first came here the villagers asked me to take charge of this temple. I won't leave, because going inland means that people won't know what's happening here. If we move the temple, the fight is over." Over the years, many barriers have been installed in an attempt to keep the sea at bay, but none have been successful. But hope is now in sight in the form of Dr Thanawat Jarupongsakul, a climate expert and professor from Chulalongkom University in Bangkok. Dr Thanawat and his team have developed an offshore barrier system, made up of 250 metres of permeable, shock-proof concrete poles anchored 500m offshore. The barrier's purpose is to minimise the power of the waves before they hit home. Since its installation two years' ago, Dr Thanawat has been testing and monitoring its impact. According to his research, wave power has decreased 60-80 per cent and the village is gaining 1-3cm of land per month. Mangrove is growing again, which is acting as a natural barrier to protect the land from erosion, and sea life is returning. With it, the village is experiencing a renewed sense of hope. Samorn says: "When I look out to sea, to where things used to be, the image is very vivid. Now, that's all gone, but that makes me want to work harder to preserve what is left." Let's hope world leaders meeting in December at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen are prepared to work half as hard to secure a fair and binding deal that will save Samorn and those like her from runaway climate change. See BBC iPlayer for report on Newsnight Scotland.]]> Ahead of The Wave, Scotland's biggest demonstration demanding action on climate change, Aideen McLaughlin reports from Thailand on how villagers living in coastal areas are coping with the advancing sea.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3310 2009-11-19T19:25:31Z 2009-11-19T19:44:06Z

Eileen Oxfam ranks 2009 UN World Food Summit leaders' performance a paltry two out of ten. International aid agency Oxfam gave the 2009 UN World Food Summit a 20 per cent overall rating as delegates left Rome today without tackling many of the biggest challenges of food security and agriculture. The one kernel of optimism was that all countries had at least sanctioned a process to reform global food governance. Oxfam Scotland's Campaigns Manager Malcolm Fleming said: "A single meeting can't solve world hunger but we certainly expected far more than this. The result is not commensurate with the problem, which is historically huge. A billion people are now facing hunger and looming climate change. "The near total absence of rich country leaders sent a poor message from the beginning. The summit offered few solid accomplishments." Oxfam has ranked the Summit against five key criteria and found that not one was fully achieved. However, Oxfam says that sanctioning the reform of the UN's Committee for World Food Security (CFS) could be an important victory over the course of time, even if much more needs to be done. 1: United effort to fight global hunger - Oxfam ranking 45 per cent success One of the most important issues was to bring all the fragmented international efforts to fight global hunger under the single UN roof. This was a heavily qualified success. The Summit said that the CFS should be reformed to play a greater coordination role but stopped short of giving it any way to hold countries to account or to track all the money. Until that happens, Oxfam says the CFS would remain relatively weak. 2: Specific plans to halve hunger by 2015 - Oxfam ranking 25 per cent success Countries needed to make specific and properly budgeted plans to halve hunger by 2015. But they stopped a long way short of insisting on this at the Summit, making instead only a vague statement to "take action ... at the earliest possible date". This is the kind of language that substitutes for real action. On the positive side, the Summit specified that money must be channeled through country-owned plans and recognised the need for better coordination. The declaration also set out the goal for the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food and it committed countries to work "for a world free from hunger". In Oxfam's experience, this kind of woolly commitment rarely translates into real action. 3: Action on climate change - Oxfam ranking 15 per cent success Oxfam reviewed the Summit's language around climate change and found it lacked ambition. Governments should have declared in Rome that any agreement on a global deal in Copenhagen next month must commit sufficient resources - over and above existing aid budgets - to specifically help smallholder farmers to adapt to harmful climate change. 4: Rescue package for Millennium Development Goal to halve hunger - Oxfam ranking 10 per cent success This Summit could have declared a rescue package for the Millennium Development Goal to halve hunger by finding sufficient money - eventually up to $40 billion a year - with half of it going to the farming, transport and market systems that support smallholder farmers, and half to a reformed food aid. However, it brought little new to the table other than to declare "to be ready to increase the percentage of ODA to go to agriculture if countries wanted that." 5: Guaranteeing all countries have a right to food security - Oxfam ranking five per cent success The Summit's language on trade is inconsistent with guaranteeing that all countries have the right to food security. Despite the Summit claiming to have put smallholder farmers at the centre of its mission, Oxfam says that it failed to specify the policies to help the poorest countries to reduce hunger and poverty. Malcolm Fleming said: "This meeting had to increase support to the kind of sustainable farming methods that would help poor farmers to feed their families and increase their income. That this did not happen taints the 2009 Summit with arguably its worst failure."]]> Oxfam ranks 2009 UN World Food Summit leaders' performance a paltry two out of ten.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3308 2009-11-19T00:04:10Z 2009-11-19T00:18:47Z

Eileen A new photographic exhibition shows what is at stake for people living with impacts of climate change. Danish Supermodel and photographer, Helena Christensen, has called on Scots to attend The Wave, Scotland's biggest ever demonstration in support of action on climate change, which takes place in Glasgow on Saturday December 5. Her call comes after she travelled to Peru, her mother's native country, with Oxfam to see firsthand and photograph the threats of climate change on people living in her mother's homeland. During the visit she saw people suffering from food and water scarcity in the face of rising temperatures, changing seasons and melting glaciers. An exhibition of the photographs taken by Helena Christensen will open in London today. It is timed just two weeks before The Wave demonstration, on December 5, in Glasgow and London, where thousands of people will call on Gordon Brown to push for a fair and safe climate deal at the UN climate negotiations starting two days later. Helena said: "For so many of us, climate change is a distant idea belonging in the future but for millions of people in developing countries, it is a devastating reality. "We can begin to change this by demanding that world leaders meeting in Copenhagen move towards cutting emissions and providing funding so that poor communities can protect themselves from climate change. By coming together at The Wave thousands of voices can be one loud clamour for urgent action at Copenhagen for the sake of generations to come." The photographs premiered at the United Nations in New York when the UN General Assembly met in September and are on a global tour heading to Copenhagen, in Helena's home country, for the UN climate negotiations next month. Helena added: "The power lies in the hands of world leaders, and I realise that the drastic steps they must take in order to lower the carbon dioxide emissions won't be an easy task. But it needs to be done - there is really no way around it anymore. "I am looking forward with anticipation and baited breath to the conference in Copenhagen. We, as a people, want to see some dramatic changes. A suitable Danish saying goes along the lines of, 'every tiny stream put together creates one big river'. We all know that it will take time and cost a hell of a lot of money to change the world's priorities but we know it's possible." Malcolm Fleming, Oxfam Scotland's Campaigns Manager, said: "Helena's photographs show how climate change is already taking hold in Peru, as is the case in poor countries around the world. But it is not too late. I hope this exhibition will encourage people to take part in The Wave and demand nothing less than a climate deal that will protect us all from climate change." To find out more about The Wave, visit www.the-wave.org.uk/scotland]]> A new photographic exhibition shows what is at stake for people living with impacts of climate change.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3307 2009-11-18T23:20:26Z 2009-11-19T00:10:25Z

Eileen New Oxfam report shows 70 per cent of Afghans believe poverty fuelling conflict. Scottish aid worker Grace Ommer, Director of Oxfam's operations in Afghanistan, has called for more effective aid for the country in the wake of a new report by the international aid agency. The report reveals 70 per cent of Afghans surveyed see poverty and unemployment as the major cause of the conflict in their country, according to new research by Oxfam and a group of Afghan organisations. Ordinary Afghans blame government weakness and corruption as the second most important factor behind the fighting, with the Taliban coming third, followed by interference by neighbouring countries. The research is contained in Oxfam's new joint report, "The Cost of War", which paints a grim picture of a country brought to its knees by 30 years of fighting. The survey of 704 Afghans from across the country reveals: * one in six Afghans are currently considering leaving Afghanistan * one in five Afghans have been tortured since the wars began in 1979 * three quarters of Afghans have been forced to leave their homes since then Grace Ommer, who is from Glasgow, said: "The people of Afghanistan have suffered 30 years of unrelenting horror. In that time millions have been killed and millions more have fled their homes. Those who have committed the most terrible abuses have enjoyed impunity rather than faced justice. Afghan society has been devastated. "Repairing this damage can't be done overnight. It will take a long time for the economic, social and psychological scars to heal. The international community has to recognise this, and to understand that Afghanistan needs more than military solutions. Afghanistan's health services must improve and it needs better support for agriculture, infrastructure and schools. "Ordinary Afghans want peace and an end to conflict, and they want to see the root causes of fighting dealt with. Poverty is driving the conflict. One man told us: 'If people are jobless they are capable of anything.' The international community must bear his words in mind and provide more effective aid to help kick-start the Afghan economy." The report shows that, looking over the 30 years of conflict since the Soviets invaded in 1979, one in ten people questioned had been imprisoned at least once. One in five (21 per cent) were tortured, either in jail or by the various armed groups. A third of those tortured were women. Just one per cent reported receiving any form of compensation or apology for the harm done to them. One of the people surveyed, Azim Mohammad from Nangarhar, said: "What do you think the effect that two million Afghans martyred, seventy per cent of Afghanistan destroyed and our economy eliminated has had on us? Half our people have been driven mad. A man who is thirty or forty years old looks like he is seventy. We always live in fear. We are not secure anywhere in Afghanistan." There was a widespread feeling amongst all the participants that poverty, corruption, injustice and civilian suffering have fuelled the spread of insecurity. As part of the research, Afghans were asked to give their suggestions to the politicians, military forces, insurgent groups and the international community. They wanted the establishment of the rule of law at all levels, a crackdown on corruption and an end to the culture of impunity. Many thought foreign aid from governments does not currently reach the people who need it most, and wanted to see this money improve health and education services and help create jobs. There was a strong sense that both sides on the conflict must prioritise the safety of Afghan civilians. There have been 2,021 civilian casualties up until October this year. Grace Ommer said: "The Afghans' desire that their safety should be paramount means that all sides must stop targeting civilians. "The international forces should tighten their restrictions on air strikes and night raids. They must transparently investigate all allegations of harm to civilians and provide appropriate forms of redress. "Afghans surveyed also felt that the Taliban and other insurgents should immediately stop targeting civilians and stop taking refuge in civilian areas, which puts normal Afghans on the front lines of the conflict."]]> New Oxfam report shows 70 per cent of Afghans believe poverty fuelling conflict.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3305 2009-11-17T00:01:00Z 2009-11-17T00:42:04Z

Eileen The Scots stars of Dr Who and Ugly Betty are challenging the Scottish public to test their climate knowledge with a new online game launched by Oxfam today. 'The Climate Challenge' features David Tennant (Dr Who) and Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty, Extras) and a host of other celebrities who answer climate questions under the control of the online player. 'The Climate Challenge' is designed to raise public awareness about climate change and what can be done to tackle it. It is being launched ahead of 'The Wave', Scotland's biggest ever demonstration in support of action on climate change, which takes place in Glasgow on Saturday December 5, and the United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen (December 7-18), which will bring together countries from around the world to agree a global deal on climate change. As well as testing their own knowledge, players will be able to challenge and compete with their friends through Facebook. At the end of each game, players will also have the chance to take action on climate change by adding their name to a global petition demanding a fair and strong climate deal at the end of the year. Ashley Jensen said: "Did you know how much energy you save by putting on a sweater and turning your thermostat down by just two degrees? Climate change isn't just bad news for polar bears and melting ice caps - it's bad news for all of us and especially the world's poorest people. So know your facts and have your say by taking part in Oxfam's climate challenge at www.theclimatechallenge.org" 'The Climate Challenge' also features top celebrities Gael Garcia Bernal (Amores Perros, Motorcycle Diaries), Mackenzie Crook (Brothers Grimm, The Office, Pirates of the Caribbean), actress Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter, The Hours) and funnyman Mike Bonanno (Yes Men). Mackenzie Crook said: "The Climate Challenge is a fun and interactive way to understand more about what we're doing to our planet. There is a serious message behind this that we must put pressure on our leaders to agree an ambitious climate deal in Copenhagen." Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam in Scotland, said: "Climate change is the biggest crisis the world has ever faced but there is still time to do something about it. Audience research shows that people care about climate change but don't really understand what's at stake for our planet. Oxfam hopes that millions of people play this game, learn some shocking but realistic facts about climate change and become fired up to do something about it - both personally and by lobbying their governments." ]]> The Scots stars of Dr Who and Ugly Betty are challenging the Scottish public to test their climate knowledge with a new online game launched by Oxfam today.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3302 2009-11-05T14:58:03Z 2009-11-05T15:29:59Z

Eileen Ahmed Moosa, the Envoy for Science and Technology of the Maldives Government, called on Scots to attend The Wave, Scotland's biggest ever demonstration on climate change, which takes place in Glasgow on Sat 5th Dec. Mr Moosa appealed to Scots to come out on the streets of Glasgow on December 5 and send a strong message on climate to world leaders meeting at UN climate talks in Copenhagen. Last month, the Maldives Government held a meeting underwater to highlight the threat of climate change to their low-lying islands. In a week that saw parts of Scotland flooded due to extreme weather, Mr Moosa reinforced that message in Scotland, asking Scots to do their bit by attending The Wave. Mr Moosa said: "I call on Scots to attend The Wave on December 5 and show their support for action on climate change. Climate change is happening right now, both in the Maldives and here in Scotland, and it threatens the rights and security of everyone in the world. I also urge world leaders meeting at the climate talks in Copenhagen to share Scotland's ambition on climate. A strong deal at Copenhagen is necessary to save lives. We must act now before it's too late." Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: "We want people in Scotland to attend The Wave on December 5 and send a clear message to Gordon Brown and other world leaders meeting in Copenhagen that we must act now on climate change. The importance of these talks in Copenhagen cannot be over-emphasised. They are the best chance we have to get the world's greenhouse gas emissions under control and prevent dangerous climate change. As Scotland has the strongest climate legislation in the world, The Wave will send a strong message from Scots that we want other countries to share our ambition." The Wave is a family-friendly climate change rally through the streets of Glasgow on December 5, ahead of a meeting of world leaders at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen on Dec 7. The march will be followed by a family-fun event in Kelvingrove Park. It is organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, which represents over 60 organisations and 2 million people across the country, the largest civil society coalition since Make Poverty History in 2005. See www.the-wave.org.uk/scotland. There will also be Waves in London and other cities across the world.]]> Ahmed Moosa, the Envoy for Science and Technology of the Maldives Government, called on Scots to attend The Wave, Scotland's biggest ever demonstration on climate change, which takes place in Glasgow on Sat 5th Dec.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3296 2009-10-27T19:21:50Z 2009-10-27T20:55:27Z

Eileen Scots are being urged to send a clear message to world leaders by joining Scotland's largest-ever climate change rally, The Wave, in Glasgow on 5th December ahead of a crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen. The Wave will see leading celebrities join thousands of Scots to call on Heads of State from rich countries to share Scotland's climate change ambition (Scotland has the world's strongest climate change legislation), protect the poorest, and act fair and fast to address the problem. The family-friendly rally will culminate with music, entertainment and speeches in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. The special climate event, organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) - the largest civil society coalition since Make Poverty History in 2005 - will be one of many around the world, including London, taking place immediately ahead of crucial UN climate change negotiations where world leaders must agree a global solution to the problem of climate change. Mike Robinson, chair of SCCS, said; "We want world leaders to feel a huge wave of public support to take the urgent action that is needed to address the problems of climate change. By joining The Wave the people of Scotland can unite with ordinary citizens around the globe in calling on world leaders to avert dangerous climate change. The forthcoming UN negotiations in Copenhagen are a major opportunity for our political leaders to secure a safe and sustainable future for us all. The Wave is our chance to let them know the public want a meaningful and just solution to the climate challenges we face". Head of Glasgow City Council Steven Purcell, said; "Glasgow City Council is delighted to be supporting The Wave and would encourage everyone in Glasgow and beyond to join us for a fantastic day out on 5th December. The Scottish Parliament led the way by unanimously passing the Climate Change Act with commitments to cut Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent by 2020. Now it is the people's turn to ask the world leaders gathering in Copenhagen in December to match Scotland's ambition". Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse and growing alliance with over 60 Scottish members representing more than two million supporters, ranging from environment and international development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more (see www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland). UN Copenhagen Climate Change Summit: world leaders will agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.]]> Scots are being urged to send a clear message to world leaders by joining Scotland's largest-ever climate change rally, The Wave, in Glasgow on 5th December ahead of a crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3289 2009-10-11T22:10:44Z 2009-10-11T22:37:10Z

Eileen In the lead up to the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover (24th & 25th Oct), Oxjam volunteers are doing a variety of different music fundraising events. On Saturday Oct 3rd, the band Maple Leaves wrapped up warm and took to Glasgow's Buchanan Street to busk. Despite the gale force winds and heavy showers the trio remained in good spirits. Armed only with a guitar, a tambourine and woolly hats the trio braved the weather and continued playing. Their selection of songs included some of their own material and also some covers from artists ranging from The Monkees to Travis. A combination of their wonderful smiles and summery folk-pop tunes enticed generous passersby to donate their spare change. In just 2 hours the talented trio managed to raise just over £40 for Oxfam. Maple Leaves are just one of over 100 acts set to play the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover at the end of October. Other acts include Glasgow favourites Zoey Van Goey, The Low Miffs and Nacional. The weekend event promises to provide a fantastic selection of music for under £10 with all proceeds going to Oxfam. Tickets are currently available on www.wegottickets.com with prices starting at £6 for early birds and £8 following this promotional offer. Greame Thomson( Maple Leaves) said, "Not sure how much of our singing was lost in the wind but we enjoyed it. Oxfam is one of the few reasons we'd happily face the Glasgow gales and a mass of shoppers with a guitar and a multicoloured tambourine. We're really looking forward to playing the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover". ]]> In the lead up to the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover (24th & 25th Oct), Oxjam volunteers are doing a variety of different music fundraising events. On Saturday Oct 3rd, the band Maple Leaves wrapped up warm and took to Glasgow's Buchanan Street to busk.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3288 2009-10-09T09:19:45Z 2009-10-09T10:40:02Z

Eileen Scots donated over £100,000 to the DEC Emergency Appeal for Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam within 24 hours of the first appeal film being broadcast on Tuesday the 6th. Scottish celebrities and aid agencies have praised donations, but are urging the public to continue to be generous so that essential supplies can reach the people who need it most. The call comes as a result of the devastation that has blighted the lives of millions of people in East Asia following a series of natural disasters. Comedian, Frankie Boyle said, ''The news from East Asia is shocking - a series of disasters have left millions of people homeless and without food, water or vital services. Thousands have been killed or injured. Aid agencies in Scotland are working together to help the people who need it the most. I know that Scots always help others out in tough times and will give what they can to the DEC Appeal''. River City star, Carmen Pieraccini added, "People in Scotland have been very generous and I would ask them to continue give what they can to the DEC Appeal. Millions of people in Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam have been affected by earthquakes and typhoons that have hit the region. People have seen everything that they have spent a lifetime building up being swept away in a matter of minutes. Aid agencies are working tirelessly to support people in the region but they need the continued help of the people in Scotland to scale up their work". Actor, Atta Yaqub, star of Ken Loach's Ae Fond Kiss, said, "Thousands of people affected by the massive disaster in Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are in urgent need of clean water, food and shelter. Families have been made homeless overnight and children, adults and elderly people are living in desperate conditions. Imagine what it would be like if it was your family? We simply cannot forget the plight of these people and need to give whatever we can today to prevent this disaster from getting even bigger." Douglas Hamilton, Chair of the DEC Scotland, said, "I would like to thank everyone in Scotland who has donated to the appeal. Once again, the generosity of the Scottish public has been fantastic, especially considering the impact of the recession. This money will have a real effect on the ground. However, we need your continuing support to help even more individuals and families displaced, hurt or separated by these crises." To donate ring 0370 60 60 900, go to www.dec.org.uk or any Oxfam, Red Cross, Save the Children, Islamic Relief shop. Money raised will help people rebuild their lives. £10 will buy 4 mosquito nets to prevent disease £25 will buy a life-saving surgical kit or enough food for 4 families for a month £50 will provide one household pack with critical supplies £100 will pay for essential tarpaulin for 5 homeless families]]> Scottish celebrities and aid agencies have praised donations, but are urging the public to continue to be generous so that essential supplies can reach the people who need it most. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3285 2009-10-06T15:31:34Z 2009-10-16T15:25:53Z

Eileen Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900 or at www.dec.org.uk Scots Aid workers from DEC member agencies have arrived in East Asia to support the aid effort after a series of natural disasters devastated the region in quick succession over the last week. On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines, affecting the wider region including Vietnam. An earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale struck western Sumatra on the 30th followed by a significant aftershock the next day. Typhoon Parma struck a remote area of the Philippines on October 3 causing some further deaths and extensive damage. Shocked by the scale of the disaster, Sharon Reader from the Red Cross and David MacDonald from Oxfam have called on fellow Scots to dig deep. Tens of thousands of people have been killed or injured, with millions homeless and without food, water or vital services. Despite appalling conditions, aid agencies' responses are underway in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, but remain seriously under funded. The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched radio and TV appeals for public funds to help those affected. Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900, at www.dec.org.uk or at any Oxfam, Red Cross or Save the Children shop. Sharon Reader, from Glasgow, who is in Padang with the Red Cross Logistics Emergency Response Unit, said: "When I arrived in Padang, it was pitch black. There was no electricity and the rains were pouring down, making the situation for the hundreds of thousands of people already homeless even more critical. "What we are concentrating on first is getting these people decent shelter and clean water. But with so many disasters hitting across the East Asia region in the past week, conditions are difficult and resources are stretched. "I'm appealing to Scottish people to donate to help us scale up our efforts, to reach those most in need and save and rebuild lives." David MacDonald, Oxfam's East Asia Regional Programme Manager, from Renfrew, is coordinating Oxfam's emergency response in Indonesia. Mr MacDonald said: "Oxfam and other DEC agencies are working quickly and efficiently under challenging circumstances. Providing clean water is our immediate priority. The local water supply was severely damaged by the earthquake, and the cost of water has doubled from 4,500 rupiahs before the earthquake, to 8,000 rupiahs per gallon now. "We have one water tanker that can deliver 5,000 litres of water already in action, and we are flying in three water purification plants that will provide enough clean water for more than 40,000 people. "But the needs are huge in Padang and they don't just include initial emergency supplies. We are also looking at how best we can help people to get back on their feet quickly - those affected need to be able to get on with rebuilding their lives from the devastation." Douglas Hamilton, Chair of the DEC Scotland, said: "The nature of these disasters vividly recalls the horrors of 2004 Tsunami. Millions have seen the world they know ripped apart around them. "DEC member agencies are already responding, despite the appalling conditions on the ground, but we urgently need the public's help to fund our work. "We recognise that these are difficult and uncertain times for many people in Scotland too, but we have no doubt that there will still be a strong desire to help." Work already underway by DEC members and their partners includes: In the Philippines: Oxfam is helping 25,000 of the worst affected families by providing water and non-food items like blankets, soaps, cleaning equipment, clothes and water containers. Oxfam is also providing small cash grants and shelter. Red Cross volunteers have rescued over 400 people from rooftops and high walls following flooding and provided hot meals and blankets. Save the Children has already distributed hundreds of emergency kits to affected children-- which include essentials such as clothes and soap. Age Concern and Help the Aged has worked with partners to deliver food and clothing. In Indonesia: Hundreds of Indonesia Red Cross volunteers are involved in search and rescue operations, providing first aid, and meeting water and sanitation needs. Oxfam has sent an emergency response team to Padang, who are working with local partner organisations to distribute 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes. Oxfam is also sending in JCBs to help with the clean up operation, two emergency water treatment units, with the capacity to supply clean drinking water to 26,000 people per day, together with hundreds of rolls of plastic sheeting for emergency shelter for those made homeless by the earthquake. In Vietnam: Oxfam plans to reach over 40,000 affected people with cash for food, household items and water supplies. Anyone who wishes to stay up to date with developments in the affected countries, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts can follow the DEC on twitter at www.twitter.com/decappeal or become a fan of 'Disasters-Emergency-Committee-DEC' on Facebook. The DEC consists of: ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision. ]]> Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900 or at www.dec.org.uk ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3284 2009-10-02T11:43:27Z 2009-10-06T15:56:39Z

Eileen Oxfam is sending an emergency response team to Padang, Indonesia, following the devastating earthquake on Sumatra. They will join staff from local partner organisations who are distributing Oxfam's pre-positioned emergency stocks including 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes. A second quake hit another part of Sumatra Island. Oxfam is also sending in JCBs (high-powered tractors) to help with the clean up operation. Roads have been blocked by mudslides and need to be cleared so aid can be distributed. Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director said, "Homes, schools, bridges and roads have been destroyed. Many people spent last night sleeping in the rain the evening, so we are distributing tarpaulin for emergency shelter. The devastation is making communications extremely difficult so accurate estimates of casualties and damage are not yet available. But early indications suggest a death toll of more than 1,000 is not unlikely. We are calling for the support of the British public to help us save lives in this grave tragedy". Inel Rosnelli, working with Oxfam's partner PKBI in Padang, Indonesia, said, "Many people are still trapped in the buildings. Most of the victims seem to be in the centre of the town and everything is blocked. Traffic cannot move because of the destruction. The hospital reports that at least 60 people are dead but the real number is probably higher. We have water today but safe drinking water may run out soon, the problem may also be sanitation". The Indonesia earthquake came in the wake of Typhoon Ketsana, which swept through the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia earlier in the week causing severe flooding. Two million homes were inundated with floodwater in Manila and around 400,000 people have been made homeless. A super-typhoon is set to strike the Philippines again within 48 hours. Philippines: Oxfam is helping 25,000 of the worst affected families in the Philippines by providing water and non-food items like blankets, soaps, cleaning equipment, clothes and water containers. Oxfam is also providing small cash grants and shelter at evacuation sites as part of its initial response. Vietnam: In Vietnam a team of aid experts has been sent to the storm-hit province of Kon Tum in central Vietnam. Oxfam plans to reach over 40,000 affected people with cash for food and household items, water supplies. Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director continued, "The flood waters have receded but the disaster is far from over in the Philippines and Vietnam. With water and power still out and mounds of rubbish rotting, disease outbreaks are a real concern. Our aid teams are working around the clock to ensure that people in the Philippines and Vietnam are kept from further harm". Samoa: Oxfam is also responding to the South Pacific tsunami, which hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga on Tuesday. Waves flattened villages and swept cars and people out to sea. Teams have been dispatched to assess the situation. Oxfam has emergency supplies on hand for up to 10,000 people and expect to help coordinate the supply of clean water and sanitation for those affected by the disaster. ]]> Oxfam is sending an emergency response team to Padang, Indonesia, following the devastating earthquake on Sumatra. They will join staff from local partner organisations who are distributing Oxfam's pre-positioned emergency stocks including 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3280 2009-09-19T09:33:32Z 2009-10-06T15:57:03Z

Eileen Model and photographer Helena Christensen returned to her Peruvian roots and her mother's native country to document the dramatic effects that climate change is having on people today. Following the trip, Helena said: "The impacts of the climate change are extremely severe in the areas we visited. The farmers we met and talked to are already living very hard lives, and are now being forced to adapt to salvage the effects of the rapidly changing climate. "One of the women I spoke to, Elizabeth Ayma, told me that because rainfalls are less frequent now and impossible to predict due to the climate changes, this is having a huge effect on crop production. As a result, her family has less food to eat and less produce to sell, resulting in her not being able to afford her children's school fees. The lack of nutritional vegetables also affects her family's health." Helena went to Peru with Oxfam on this journey and her photographs will be exhibited in New York, Washington, London and at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. A short film of the expedition, captured by award-winning Director Richard Bullock, will also be shown. Helena said: "We are at a critical tipping point. We need to put pressure on our governments in order for them to take the necessary, radical steps that are needed to lower CO2 emissions. There's no time left, it is absolutely imperative to act now. Hopefully the only benefit of this UN conference won't be just a boost to Danish tourism." Frank Boeren, Oxfam International's co-ordinator in Peru said, "Climate change in Peru is already devastating and we welcome Helena's commitment to show this to the rest of the world. Peru is on the frontline of climate change, along with other developing countries, which have played little part in causing the problem. "It is crucial that rich leaders do the right thing at Copenhagen so that we can begin to stop run away climate change and protect vulnerable people around the world". ]]> Model and photographer Helena Christensen has returned to her Peruvian roots, her mother's native country, to document the dramatic effects that climate change is having on people today. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3279 2009-09-19T08:41:34Z 2009-10-06T15:57:21Z

Eileen Annie Lennox, Rachel Stevens and other high-profile women have joined Oxfam's She Changes Lives campaign, which highlights the work of women who are making a massive difference to people's lives. Oxfam photographed celebrities including Annie Lennox, Mariella Frostrup and Zoe Ball, who have both chosen women they met in developing countries whose life-changing work really inspired them. Annie Lennox met Nonkululo, a HIV positive AIDS counsellor, in South Africa. Annie Lennox said: "Nonkululo is a true inspiration and is very empathic because she has a direct experience of living with the HIV virus. The whole region where she lives is very poor and remote and has been devastated by HIV. You read the statistics and they're brutally shocking but they don't really convey the human story. The scale of suffering is staggering." Zoe Ball was blown away by Eunice Victory, a HIV carer she met on an Oxfam trip to Malawi. Zoe said: "Eunice doesn't get paid but helps because there are lots of people in her village who are sick and suffering, and there is no one else to take care of them. It's awe inspiring how one woman is giving so much hope to a whole community." Most of the poorest people in the world are women. Oxfam's work finds that women are often working in the worst conditions for the lowest pay. More money and more opportunities for women would give them the chance to work their way out of poverty and provide for their children. Furthermore, 6 million more health workers and teachers are needed in the developing world. More investment in women could help fill that gap. Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis met Pastor Mary Crockett at the hospice she runs for HIV sufferers, in South Africa. Emily said: "Pastor Mary is an extraordinary woman. All her energy goes into running the hospice. It is relatively small, but absolutely crucial, in a part of the world where HIV is rife, but not properly addressed. It is this kind of project which sees people through extremely difficult times, where no other support is available". The work of these incredible women is changing the lives of some of the world's poorest people. But many people are still going without any medical treatment at all, because they cannot access or afford the vital healthcare they need. Every minute, a woman with no medical care dies in pregnancy or childbirth. Every hour, 300 people die of an AIDS-related illness. Every day, 4,000 children die of diarrhoea caused by dirty water. Next week, world leaders will meet at a high level event on healthcare, at the UN General Assembly in New York, and will have the chance to expand free healthcare in poor countries. Annie Lennox said: "Everyone should have the right to medical treatment, but many people in Africa simply cannot afford it. If governments commit to providing free healthcare it will make a huge impact on the continent and help to change millions of lives".]]> Annie Lennox, Rachel Stevens and other high-profile women have joined Oxfam's She Changes Lives campaign, which launches today to highlight the work of women who are making a massive difference to people's lives.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3278 2009-09-18T14:46:39Z 2009-10-06T15:57:48Z

Eileen Oxfam Scotland welcomes scottish budget plans for maintaining commitments on international development and highlighted that international aid is more essential than ever because of the effect the global economic crisis is having on the world's poorest countries and poorest communities. Commenting, Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "Oxfam work in over 70 countries around the world and we know from our everyday work on the ground in the world's poorest countries that the global recession is hitting the very poorest communities and families hardest. "Indeed the United Nations estimate that over 73 million more people will be trapped in poverty by the end of this year because of the crisis and the World Bank estimate that over 200,000 more infants could die. It is also estimated that the number of people facing chronic hunger will rise to one billion by the end of the year. That is why maintaining existing commitments to those most in need is essential. "We know that the Scottish public have always strongly supported work to eradicate global poverty, in good times as well as bad, and hope that the existing cross-party consensus on the importance of aid spending remains."]]> Oxfam Scotland welcomes scottish budget plans for maintaining commitments on international development and highlighted that international aid is more essential than ever because of the effect the global economic crisis is having on the world's poorest countries and poorest communities.]]>