tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland/77 2008-10-10T16:45:12Z Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2842 2008-10-10T14:17:45Z 2008-10-10T16:45:12Z

Eileen As the Scotland team continues its campaign to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa the Tartan Army Children's Charity, TACC, and Oxfam Scotland are joining forces to ask Scotland fans to back an Oxfam project there. TACC aims to raise £60,000 to support Oxfam and its partner 'Let us Grow' who work with vulnerable children and orphans in South Africa, giving them a better standard of living, a chance of education and access to healthcare. The Scottish Football Association is helping to kick off the venture with Scottish FA Chief Executive, Gordon Smith, presenting a cheque to TACC, their official charity. It is estimated that there are around 2 million vulnerable children in South Africa, half of whom have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Many children do not have birth certificates and so are not entitled to social grants; others are not even aware they are entitled to assistance. Oxfam and its partner 'Let us Grow' work with children who live near Johannesburg to make sure that they get the help and support they need to better their lives in the longer term. Gordon Smith, Scottish FA, Chief Executive said," I am delighted to give my backing to the Tartan Army Children's Charity and the work that they have been doing around the world. By going into partnership with Oxfam Scotland they are ensuring that children in South Africa are getting the chance to have a better life. Supporting Oxfam's work in South Africa is something that I think is really worthwhile and something that all Scotland fans will be proud to get behind." Carey McEvoy, of the Tartan Army Children's Charity added," We are determined to leave a meaningful legacy when we hopefully visit South Africa in 2010. As this would be Scotland's first major finals for over a decade we're confident that supporters will get behind this campaign with their usual enthusiasm and generosity. I think that the work that is being done by Oxfam in South Africa is really valuable. Giving children the help they need that has long-term results is very important and that is what the work that is being done there is all about. As Scotland supporters we try to give something back to all the countries we visit I want any money raised to have an impact on the children's lives not only in the run up to 2010 but beyond that. " Giving her support Shehnilla Mohamed, South Africa's Country Director, commented," The 'Let Us Grow' and Oxfam partnership is important because it gives vulnerable children a better standard of living, a chance of education and support regarding their health. Many of the children are orphans so they need someone to be there for them. " I wish TACC and my colleagues in Scotland all the best in getting behind the work we are doing here and we hope to see the Scotland team and their fans in South Africa in 2010! " ENDS ]]> As the Scotland team continues its campaign to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa the Tartan Army Children's Charity, TACC, and Oxfam Scotland are joining forces to ask Scotland fans to back an Oxfam project there. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2841 2008-10-08T11:51:07Z 2008-10-10T16:51:06Z

Eileen The Scottish Government's proposed Climate Bill could raise the bar for the rest of the UK and the EU, according to a new Oxfam report. However, if Scotland is to become a standard bearer in the fight against climate change globally the government must make good its manifesto promises on climate change and encourage others to follow their example. The report, Forecast for Tomorrow says Scottish Government climate plans could result in the most demanding statutory emissions-reduction targets in the world but warns that the UK and Scottish governments, public and private sectors must act together to ensure the UK turns away from high-polluting policies and projects that would threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of poor people around the world. Oxfam Scotland's Campaigns Manager, Eilidh Whiteford said," Changes to climate are already hurting millions of the world's poorest people. Oxfam is dealing with more natural disasters year on year; floods, cyclones and storms are affecting on average over 250 million people a year. If the Scottish Government wants to play an international role in helping the lives of poor people their most important first step is to deliver a strong Climate Bill that inspires others to follow their example. We want them to honour their commitments to cut emissions by 80% by 2050 and introduce mandatory annual cuts of at least three percent. " The Scottish Government should: Deliver a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill that honours its manifesto promises on climate to cut green house gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and introduce mandatory annual cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 3 per cent per year. The UK Government should:

• Strengthen current UK emissions targets to cut emissions by 80% by 2050 and include all greenhouse gases not just CO2
• Reject plans for a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent
• Drop biofuel targets given their links to global food shortages

The private sector should:

• Build on world-beating examples of good practice from companies such as BT and Marks & Spencer that are demonstrating the path to a low carbon future
• Stop pursuing carbon intensive projects such as E.ON's plan to build a new coal fired power station at Kingsnorth, Kent that will push carbon emissions to dangerous levels. The proposed plant's emissions are estimated to be more than the combined output of 30 developing countries

Last year, Oxfam responded to escalating numbers of climatic crises, including the worst floods in Africa in three decades and massive floods in South Asia and Mexico. The total number of natural disasters has quadrupled in the last two decades, most of them floods, cyclones and storms, with the number of people affected having increased from 174 million to an average of over 250 million a year. Only by rich countries making the right decisions at home and leading by example can we hope to secure an equitable global deal to reduce emissions and secure a future for generations to come. Ends ]]> The Scottish Government's proposed Climate Bill could raise the bar for the rest of the UK and the EU, according to a new Oxfam report. However, if Scotland is to become a standard bearer in the fight against climate change globally the government must make good its manifesto promises on climate change and encourage others to follow their example. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2838 2008-10-08T11:42:24Z 2008-10-10T16:51:55Z

Eileen Oxfam Fair Trade enthusiasts in Scotland are being given the chance to get funding to turn their Fair Trade ideas into reality. The Scottish Fair Trade Forum is launching a small grants scheme aimed at boosting Fair Trade activity, education and understanding throughout the country. The scheme is open to any not-for-profit organisation for projects to promote Fair Trade, and grants of up to £500 will be awarded. Application forms can be found at: www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk from October 6. The Scottish Fair Trade Forum has been working since 2007 to support Fair Trade activity in Scotland and help lead Scotland's work to become one of the world's first Fair Trade Nations. Betsy Reed, of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum said, " With these grants, we aim to support the ongoing work of Fair Trade groups working around Scotland to help it achieve Fair Trade Nation status. Grant applications can be for anything from schools wanting to start a Fair Trade tuck shop or groups running Fair Trade Christmas bazaars or wanting to put up Fairtrade Town signs in their area. I am looking forward to seeing the projects that can be boosted through this bit of extra support the Scottish Fair Trade Forum can offer.. " Eilidh Whiteford, Oxfam Scotland Campaign Manager and Vice Chair of the Scottish Fair Trade forum added, " People in Scotland have long been strong supporters of Fair Trade; what the small grant scheme does is allow people to get their good ideas off the ground. " The principles of Fair Trade are even more important now as global food prices are on the rise and the world's poorest people are suffering. Fair Trade is about producers getting a fair price for their goods and we want people across Scotland to help us promote these ideas so that people in poor countries can have the chance to work their way out of poverty." ]]> Oxfam Fair Trade enthusiasts in Scotland are being given the chance to get funding to turn their Fair Trade ideas into reality. Scottish Fair Trade Forum is launching a small grants scheme aimed at boosting Fair Trade activity, education and understanding throughout the country.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2815 2008-09-12T14:07:05Z 2008-09-15T11:33:40Z

Eileen Oxfam Scotland is calling on Scottish lawyers to help fight global warming by coming up with the most innovative legal case for a developing country to take legal action on injuries suffered from climate change. The international aid agency's is holding a competition centred on an imaginary country - Algoria - but the climate impacts it faces are based on the latest "real life" data and findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The political context is also one facing many developing countries today. Oxfam is inviting 3,500-word complaints to identify the plaintiffs, defendants, remedies sought, and arguments that are considered enforceable in an existing international legal forum. Oxfam hopes that the competition will provide effective free advice to developing countries on how they could best use international law to protect their people's human rights in the face of climate change. The competition coincides with the recent publication of Oxfam's new report Climate Wrongs and Human Rights, which says that rich countries' excessive carbon emissions are violating the rights of millions of the world's poorest people to life, security, food, health and shelter. Eilidh Whiteford, Oxfam Scotland, Campaigns Manager said, " Human rights are at the heart of the fight to stop global climate change. I am calling on Scottish lawyers, academics and law students to take part in an international competition and come up with the most innovative legal case for a developing country to take legal action on injuries suffered from climate change. "Rich country polluters have been fully aware of their culpability for many years. If they fail to cut emissions and help people now, they could face legal action later." The report author Kate Raworth added, " Climate change was first seen as a scientific problem, then an economic one. Now it is becoming a matter of international justice. Human rights principles give an alternative to the view that everything - from carbon to malnutrition - can be priced, compared and traded. These principles must be put at the heart of a global deal to tackle global climate change." Oxfam's report identifies major "hot spots" where current climate-change policies clash with existing international human-rights principles. It also says rich countries are failing to deliver sufficient finance and technology to help poor countries shift to low-carbon pathways. Lawyer Peter Roderick, co-director of the Climate Justice Programme, commented, "International human rights law needs to reflect the realities of climate change. There are important roles for lawyers in helping it evolve and using existing international law so the poorest people can protect themselves from climate damage". A panel of eminent lawyers will judge the competition, which is being run in collaboration with Advocates for International Development and the Climate Justice Programme, and the winners will be announced in March 2009. To find out more go to: www.oxfam.org/climatecompetition The winning entries will be published on each organisation's websites and the winners will each receive a GBP100 voucher for books or eco-goods from the Centre for Alternative Technology. ENDS ]]> Oxfam Scotland is calling on Scottish lawyers to help fight global warming by coming up with the most innovative legal case for a developing country to take legal action on injuries suffered from climate change. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2814 2008-09-12T13:57:07Z 2008-09-15T12:00:16Z

Eileen Oxfam Scotland and arms-control campaigner David Grimason will launch a week of action backing the Control Arms campaign. The launch will be marked by a panel debate and the screening of the film 'Ezra', which tells the story of a child soldier in Sierra Leone. The screening is part of the Take One: Action! Film Festival at the Edinburgh Filmhouse. David Grimason who has campaigned for tighter controls on the arms trade since his 2 year old son Alistair was shot dead in a Turkish café in July 2003, will speak about his experiences and backing for the Control Arms campaign, which is seeking an international Arms Trade Treaty. The event is one of over sixty Control Arms events happening around the world and comes just weeks before a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly which will consider the next step in agreeing a treaty. In 2006, 153 governments voted to work to develop a treaty that would ensure weapons aren't exported to regimes or groups that would use them to break humanitarian law. Two years on campaigners are working to ensure that the Treaty passes the next stage of the UN process. Speaking of his support David Grimason said, " We know the impact that illegal arms are having on the lives of thousands of people but a fictional story such as Ezra's, dramatising the effect of war on a child's life sends a very powerful message. For me this film festival is timely as it comes at the beginning of a week of global action to deliver an Arms Trade Treaty. A film like 'Ezra' is a reminder of the human cost of the arms trade." Eilidh Whiteford, Campaigns Manager for Oxfam Scotland commented, " The UN General Assembly meets in New York in a few weeks time. They have started the process of putting an Arms Trade Treaty in place; however, it is crucial for them to realise that the world is watching and that the UN must put in place a strong Treaty that puts humanitarian law and human rights at its heart. The film 'Ezra' highlights how people are left vulnerable and in danger if their rights are flouted and ignored. " Take One: Action! is a new film festival that is taking place at the Edinburgh Filmhouse between 13th-27th Sept. It is screening films and featuring individuals that are changing the world. All the films in the festival have social justice at their heart and include popular favourites such as 'Mr. Smith goes to Washington' & 'Erin Brockovich'. Most of the films will be followed by discussions from invited guest speakers and panelists. Simon Bateson, Take One: Action! Organiser added, " Film is a very powerful medium. By featuring films that give people food for thought we can make them think of the wider changes that are needed to bring about social justice. What we want is for people in Scotland to engage locally on global issues, and ask what they can do to make their voices heard." Ends. ]]> Oxfam Scotland and arms-control campaigner David Grimason will launch a week of action backing the Control Arms campaign. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2808 2008-09-04T14:07:16Z 2008-09-04T17:18:53Z

Eileen An art exhibition at Oxfam's Royal Mile shop in Edinburgh has raised over £13,000 from the sale of paintings by the artist John Foulger, an established landscape and seascape painter, who died in 2006 leaving his house and its contents to Oxfam. Born in 1960, John Foulger was a post-impressionist who worked mainly in oils and acrylics. He lived for many years in West Sussex and many of his paintings are drawn from Sussex locations. He exhibited widely around the world as well as in the UK, and his work can now be found in galleries and private collections in London, The Hague, Vienna, Montreal, and elsewhere in Europe, America, and Australasia. The shop was turned into a mini gallery at the beginning of August and over 100 paintings were on display. As well as the sea and landscapes, Foulger was also well known for his equestrian paintings and still lifes, a number of which were also included in his donation to Oxfam. He was a very successful artist, recognised both here and abroad, and people came from far and wide to view his work in this retrospective. Neil Johnstone, Manager of Oxfam's shop on the Royal Mile, said:" The exhibition has proved hugely popular, not only with local people, but also with visitors who came to Edinburgh for the Festival. " We have sold paintings to people from places as far flung as New Zealand, America and Japan, and I think that John Foulger would be delighted that his donation to Oxfam has made such an impression internationally: not only are his paintings heading off for locations around the world, but also, the £13,000 that we have made from their sale will be used to help the millions of people living in poverty across the globe. " Anyone interested in Foulger's work is welcome to visit the shop as there are still a few paintings on display. Prices do not exceed £30, and all proceeds will go towards funding the projects Oxfam has both here in the UK and in over 70 countries around the world. ENDS ]]> An art exhibition at Oxfam's Royal Mile shop in Edinburgh has raised over £13,000 from the sale of paintings by the artist John Foulger, an established landscape and seascape painter, who died in 2006 leaving his house and its contents to Oxfam. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2805 2008-09-03T16:52:54Z 2008-09-12T13:55:23Z

Eileen The Oxfam shop in Haddington is one today! To celebrate this important birthday local MSP Iain Gray is visiting the shop, which, he opened a year ago and joining the volunteers for some birthday cake. Mr Gray will also be awarding certificates to Doris Mullholland and Calum Mason who have been successfully volunteering for Oxfam for a year. Alex Grant who manages the Oxfam shop in Haddington said, " It is great to have Iain Gray come back and visit us on our first birthday. Congratulations to Doris Mullholland and Calun Mason who have been successfully volunteering with us since we opened our doors last year. Anyone who wants to volunteer in the shop is most welcome. " I feel that the Oxfam shop in Haddington is really part of the community. The volunteers have been wonderful and we now have many regular customers from all over the area who pop in to see us. I would like to thank everyone for supporting us over the last year in doing so they are really making a difference to help Oxfam carry out its work around the world." Iain Gray MSP added, " Well done to Alex and his team! The shops are the lifeblood of Oxfam and are very much its public face. I am delighted they invited me back to celebrate the Haddington shop's first birthday and I hope that there will be many more to come. " As someone who previously worked for Oxfam I know how important the shops are in helping Oxfam achieve its aim of overcoming poverty and suffering. The funds raised through shops like Haddington are important because they can change the lives of people around the world for the better. " ENDS ]]> The Oxfam shop in Haddington is one today! To celebrate this important birthday local MSP Iain Gray is visiting the shop, which, he opened a year ago and joining the volunteers for some birthday cake. Mr Gray will also be awarding certificates to Doris Mullholland and Calun Mason who have been successfully volunteering for Oxfam for a year. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2782 2008-07-24T15:44:18Z 2008-07-24T16:19:49Z

Well-known singer helps draw attention to East Africa emergency Chart-topping Scottish singer, Sandi Thom, helped Oxfam Scotland erect an 11,000-litre water tank, of the kind used by Oxfam in emergencies, to illustrate the need for Scots to donate in response to the developing crisis in East Africa. The singer-songwriter, who reached number 1 with 'I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker, (With Flowers in my Hair)', joined Oxfam workers in George Square in Glasgow to erect the tank to show what donations made in Scotland can buy in East Africa. A selection of photographs taken by leading photographer, Nick Danziger, will be on display on the sides of the tank to give the public an idea of the severity of the crisis. The public can support Oxfam's work across East Africa by making a donation either online at www.oxfam.org.uk, by phone on 0300 200 1300, at any Oxfam shop or by post to Oxfam Scotland, 207 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HZ. Speaking in Glasgow Sandi Thom said: "I am asking everyone to give their support to Oxfam's work in East Africa. The water tank we have built today gives people an idea of where their money goes and how Oxfam responds in an emergency. "Drought and rising food prices are some of the main causes that are propelling millions of people in East Africa towards severe hunger and destitution. The work that Oxfam is doing in East Africa is essential and sadly necessary. People should support Oxfam's work in trying to help people who desperately need it." Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, added: "The situation in East Africa is dire, with colleagues witnessing heartbreaking situations where severely malnourished children are struggling to survive. Oxfam is there and responding to the situation, but we urgently need funds to help increase emergency response across the affected countries of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and northern Kenya." A toxic cocktail of factors, including successive droughts, violent conflict and chronic poverty, has put an estimated 9 to 13 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance across East Africa. This situation has been compounded by rapidly rising food prices.

• In Somalia, 2.6 million, some 35 percent of the population, require emergency assistance. This could increase to half the population of the country (3.5 million) by the end of 2008. Between 18 and 24 percent of children are acutely malnourished
• In Ethiopia, the government estimates 4.6 million people are now in need of emergency food assistance. This has more than doubled from 2.2 million in need of help at the beginning of this year. Some 75,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition in drought stricken areas according to the government
In Turkana, northern Kenya, an Oxfam survey showed that 25 percent of children are suffering from acute malnutrition, the highest in the country. Ends. ]]> Chart-topping Scottish singer, Sandi Thom, helped Oxfam Scotland erect an 11,000-litre water tank, of the kind used by Oxfam in emergencies, to illustrate the need for Scots to donate in response to the developing crisis in East Africa.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2736 2008-06-27T15:33:08Z 2008-06-27T15:39:18Z
Speaking at an Oxfam Scotland parliamentary reception less than two weeks before this years' G8, (to be held in Japan), the Head of Oxfam Scotland, Judith Robertson, reminded parliamentarians that Scotland's role didn't end when the G8 leaders made poverty reduction promises at Gleneagles, but must continue and ensure that those promises are kept. Commenting Ms Robertson said: " In 2005 the people of Scotland campaigned like never before to get the G8 to act to drop the debt and provide more and better aid. As a result of public pressure, not least from the quarter of a million people who marched in Edinburgh on 2nd July 2005, the G8 leaders at Gleneagles made significant promises to reduce poverty. " The G8 promised to increase aid levels by $50bn annually by 2010, however, according to Oxfam research, an aid gap of $30bn remains that will cost five million lives. " Scotland, as the country where the promises were made, and Scots, as the campaigners who helped leverage those promises, must make sure that that work was not in vain by keeping up pressure on the G8 nations to deliver. " In Japan the G8 must take action to get their promises back on track and make stronger and urgent commitments to tackling global poverty, especially given the increasing threats from climate change and rising food prices. " First Minister Alex Salmond , MSP added, "I commend the efforts of Oxfam in working towards eradicating poverty both at home and abroad. "2008 marks the halfway point to the deadline for reaching the Millennium Development Goals and much more needs to be done. I hope that the forthcoming G8 summit will recognize that the clock is ticking and focus their energies on ensuring these Goals are met and keeping faith with the commitments to the world made in Scotland. "I look forward to continuing the positive and productive relationship between the Scottish Government and Oxfam in Scotland to carry on the global fight against poverty." Oxfam are campaigning around Scotland to get Scots to send their wishes for poverty reduction to the G8 in Japan. This year's G8 coincides with the famous Japanese Tanabata festival, where people tie wishes to bamboo trees. Scots can take part online at www.oxfam.org.uk or at a series of Oxfam events around Scotland in the lead up to the G8. ENDS ]]> Scotland, its people and its parliament, have a duty to ensure that the global poverty promises made in Scotland at the 2005 G8 at Gleneagles. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2735 2008-06-26T10:15:08Z 2008-06-26T12:05:45Z
Eileen From Scotland to Japan, showing the G8 what you want is only a click away. As world leaders gather in Japan later this month Oxfam Scotland is asking people in Scotland to play their part in the fight against global poverty. Oxfam is asking people to make an online "wish" to send to world leaders at the G8 summit, demanding that they keep to aid promises, tackle climate change and provide health care for all. To take part visit http://www.oxfam.org.uk. The campaign is inspired by the Japanese Tanabata festival where people write wishes on paper before hanging them from bamboo trees in the hope that they will come true. Oxfam Campaigner Mark Kiehlmann said: "On one level the Tanabata campaign is a bit of fun and it's so easy to be a part of, it's only a click away, but when combined with the serious wish to tackle the root causes of poverty we can send a clear message to G8 leaders that aid promises should be met." Oxfam spokesperson Malcolm Fleming added: " Everyone can take part in this campaign and make their voice heard by accessing Oxfam's website and taking part in the Tanabata campaign. I would encourage people of all ages to take part and make a wish to make it clear that no matter where the G8 is held people everywhere want an end to global poverty. " " Ending poverty isn't just wishful thinking. World leaders should accept their responsibilities and keep their promises. " Ends ]]> From Scotland to Japan, showing the G8 what you want is only a click away. As world leaders gather in Japan later this month Oxfam Scotland is asking people in Scotland to play their part in the fight against global poverty. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2733 2008-06-25T16:43:34Z 2008-06-26T12:00:01Z
Eileen Oxfam launch their 10-year manifesto for tackling global inequality. The launch of Poverty to Power, the latest of Oxfam's once-a-decade flagship studies on the state of global poverty, took place at the Civicus World Assembly which was held in the SECC in Glasgow. Spiralling food and fuel prices have signalled the start of a new "age of scarcity" which could drag millions of people into poverty, according to the new book, which is being published by Oxfam in countries around the world. Urgent action must be taken to tackle the huge inequalities that prevent poor people from having access to increasingly scarce resources such as food, fuel and water. Challenging the view that progress in developing countries is predominantly driven by changes in rich country behaviour, the book instead seeks to demonstrate that change happens from the bottom-up, driven by effective states that are held to account by active citizens. Speaking from the SECC, Duncan Green, author of the book and Head of Research for Oxfam, said: " We have entered a new age of scarcity. Unless we act quickly, the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' will grow uncontrollably, exacerbating existing inequalities and condemning millions more people to poverty. " For too long experts have been crossing their fingers and hoping that growth alone will be sufficient to draw people out of poverty. The fact that inequality prevents growth from being effective in tackling poverty has been largely ignored. " Now it is clearer than ever that the only way to end the gross inequalities that have condemned more than a billion people to linger in poverty is through a massive redistribution of power, assets and opportunities." The book argues that predominant economic thinking is not equal to new global realities, and that a "New Deal" on power, the economy and global institutions is urgently needed. At the heart of this approach is empowerment, of poor people in communities and of poor countries in global institutions. The book goes on to argue that success in tackling poverty is critically dependent on how effectively we respond to the growing impact of climate change and rapidly diminishing resources. " Dirty, carbon-hungry growth is no longer an option," said Green "Unless we can find a route to low-carbon growth then we face either catastrophic climate change or serious economic decline. Either way, the poorest will be hit first and hit hardest." In his foreword to the book, Nobel prize-winning Economist Amartya Sen writes: "In telling us what can be achieved by ordinary people through organised action, this book generates hope even as it enhances understanding of what is involved in the removal of poverty". Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: " From Poverty to Power sets out a clear manifesto for tackling poverty in the 21st century. It represents a stark warning, but also a clear vision of what we have to do and how we have to do it. The challenge is clear. As the book states: Fail, and future generations will not forgive us. Succeed, and they will wonder why we left it so long." Ends. ]]> The launch of Poverty to Power, the latest of Oxfam's once-a-decade flagship studies on the state of global poverty, took place at the Civicus World Assembly which was held in the SECC in Glasgow. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2732 2008-06-25T14:36:27Z 2008-06-25T15:35:21Z
Eileen The work of winning journalists, photographers and broadcasters from across Scotland covered a wide range of issues relating to asylum seekers, from the problems they face, to how asylum seekers are integrating into Scottish society. Paul Holleran (NUJ Scotland) hosted the ceremony, with awards presented by exiled journalists, refugees Hugh O'Donnell MSP, and John Wilkes of the Scottish Refugee Council. Speaking of the standards of reporting, Jason Bergen, Oxfam Project Officer said," Scottish journalists continue to set the standard across the United Kingdom when it comes to reporting asylum matters. Scottish journalists have again demonstrated their awareness and sensitivity to asylum issues. The winning articles, broadcasts and photographs reflect not only the problems faced by asylum seekers but also how asylum seekers have immersed themselves and integrated into life in Scotland. It is heartening in the speed with which journalists have responded to the hardship and injustice often faced by asylum seekers; many have used their communication skills to make the public aware of what is going on." Mahamad Al Shagra, an exiled journalist living in Scotland who was one of the judges added, " I congratulate all the journalists taking part in the awards for the standard of their work in this event and especially those that won. The media is very influential when it comes to presenting images of asylum seekers but with that influence comes responsibility. The winning journalists have produced work of the highest calibre and I am pleased that they presented asylum seekers as an important part of Scottish life who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect" Refugee Week Scottish Media Award Winners 2008 National Print Category: Winner: Kirsty Taylor - The Big Issue 'Road to Nowhere' June14, 2007 Runner up: Shan Ross - the Scotsman 'War tore him from family but now Eugene has Hope' Monday December 24, 2007 Local Print Category: Winner: Wendy Miller - Evening Times 'Meet Glasgow's Own United Nations' Tuesday October, 2007 Runner up: Joe Eyre - G42 'Community raises concerns over poor housing for refugees' April 2008 Photography: Winner: Angela Catlin - Scotland on Sunday 'Point of no Return' Sunday December 9, 2007 Runner up: Chris Clark - Evening News 'We've got a Ticket to Pride' Tuesday November 27th, 2007 Broadcasting: Winner: Stuart Riven/Pennie Taylor-BBC Radio Scotland "HIV is my Name" Runner up: Fiona Walker - BBC Scotland 'From Congo to Motherwell' ]]> The winners of the Refugee Week Scottish Media Awards for 2008 have been announced at a ceremony organised by the Oxfam Asylum Positive Images Network.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2705 2008-06-05T11:14:32Z 2008-06-05T11:50:50Z
World leaders must urgently agree a coordinated global action plan to address the food price crisis, Oxfam Scotland said, in a report published ahead of an emergency UN Food Summit in Rome. The plan must include short and long-term responses and go beyond humanitarian aid. Oxfam Scotland Spokesperson Malcolm Fleming has just returned from Malawi where he met with rural farmers and Ministry of Agriculture officials to look at how Malawi is bucking the trend in regards to the Global Food Crisis. Commenting on the global situation Mr Fleming said: " In countries where Oxfam works, we are seeing the negative impact of higher food prices on poor people, who already spend more than half their income on food. This is a huge challenge to the leadership and legitimacy of the world's multilateral institutions, but also a genuine opportunity for long-overdue reforms." " Malawi is a good example of a poor country that is largely managing to buck the trend in terms of the global food crisis. In Malawi, support to poor farmers, in terms of subsidised fertilisers and other inputs, has made a huge difference to food security at both the household level and the national level. Similar support must be made available in other countries. " Globally an unprecedented level of coordination is required across agencies, governments and the private sector to address this crisis. The vast amount of money spent on averting the financial crisis shows what is possible when there is political will. The cost of failure will not just be measured in lost lives and human suffering, but also in lost credibility." Oxfam estimates that an extra $14.5bn is needed to scale up immediate assistance to at least 290 million people threatened by rising food prices. This amount is small when contrasted with the more than $1 trillion the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank have injected into the financial system in the past six months to try to avert economic crisis. Similarly, annual aid to agriculture, which currently stands at $4bn, is pittance compared to the $125bn that rich countries gave their farmers in 2006. Lack of investment is acknowledged as a cause of food insecurity, and yet aid to agriculture halved between 1980 and 2005. Increased support is essential to address chronic rural poverty and low yields, and help smallholders benefit from higher prices. Oxfam's report says that the response must go beyond top down humanitarian aid. Governments in poor countries should be supported to implement social protection schemes to help the poorest, such as minimum income guarantees, free seeds and fertilizers for poor farmers, and reduced VAT on food. Longer-term, political changes are also needed. A priority is the urgent review of compulsory biofuels targets in rich countries to stop their inflationary impact. Recent estimates suggest that increased demand for biofuels accounts for 30 per cent of recent food price rises, while mounting scientific evidence shows biofuels are having an overall negative impact on climate change. The crisis should also spur reform of the food aid system, with more aid being given as cash or purchased locally, rather than shipped from overseas. The OECD has estimated that an extra $750m a year could be released if rich countries gave food aid as cash rather than in kind. Completing a global free trade deal along current lines would not help the situation. Developing countries need to be able to respond to shocks, but existing proposals at the WTO would instead lock in liberalisation, removing flexibility and further exposing poor countries to market volatility. Ends ]]> World leaders must urgently agree a coordinated global action plan to address the food price crisis, Oxfam Scotland said, in a report published ahead of an emergency UN Food Summit in Rome. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2674 2008-05-13T10:07:33Z 2008-05-13T10:17:23Z
Scots Craig Chalmers & Keith Jack who are starring in the show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ' are asking Scots to be generous and support the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal which has left tens of thousands of people stranded and homeless since it struck the country last week. Craig and Keith took time off from performing at the King's Theatre in Glasgow to support the work of aid agencies who are distributing water, temporary shelter and family kits to the thousands of people who have been most affected by the cyclone. Craig Chalmers who stars as Joseph in the show said "The aid agencies who are working in Myanmar (Burma) need the support of people in Scotland to help maintain the flow of emergency aid that is being distributed. Aid agencies are giving food, water, medicine and shelter to people who have literally lost everything. In order for them to meet that need we are asking people in Scotland to be generous and give what they can." Keith Jack added "The cyclone that has hit Myanmar (Burma) has left so many people with nothing. We are asking people to support the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal so that the work the aid agencies are doing continues not only for the next few weeks but also in the months ahead so that people there can rebuild their lives." As more aid now arrives in Myanmar the DEC is asking the British public to make an urgent donation to its Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal. Donate online: www.dec.org.uk or call: 0870 60 60 900. Public donations will fund immediate needs such as food, clean water, medicines and shelter. But the scale of the devastation is so immense that a huge relief and reconstruction effort will be needed over the coming months. ]]> Scots Craig Chalmers & Keith Jack who are starring in the show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ' are asking Scots to be generous and support the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2008:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.2657 2008-04-30T10:18:24Z 2008-04-30T11:45:39Z
Eileen Civicus Youth Assembly in Glasgow this June From Costa Rica to Cameroon, from the Philippines to Peru and from Egypt to El Salvador, 200 young activists from almost 100 different countries will come together in Glasgow this summer for "the most unique youth event of 2008". Today [Monday] marked the launch of the agenda for the Civicus Youth Assembly to be held in June. The launch was marked using a 'human signpost' in front of the conference venue, the SECC in Glasgow, pointing at just a few of the countries young people will be travelling from. This year, the second annual assembly, will have an overall theme of "People, Participation and Power', and will focus on the importance of Youth Engagement in tackling some of the biggest issues facing the world today. Speaking at the agenda launch, Rajiv Joshi, the youngest ever Civicus board Director , said: " This is Scotland leading the way in bringing together some of the world's most influential young leaders and activists to empower them to do all they can to change the world for the better. " The Civicus Youth Assembly promises to be the most unique youth event of 2008. Today we are delighted to announce that we will have 200 delegates attending from almost 100 different countries, a huge range of talented young people from diverse backgrounds active in many different contexts and for many different causes. " The Youth Assembly recognises the ability of young people to make change happen, and offers young people from across the world the opportunity to come together, find connections with other young people and provide them with a strong network for ongoing action globally." This year the Youth Assembly makes a radical departure from the traditional conference style of panels of experts and Question & Answer sessions; moving towards an active and galvanising approach where delegates not only development knowledge of the issues covered, but also personal and shared capacity to take action. The Civicus Youth Assembly is organised on behalf of Civicus by Roars not Whispers, a joint project run by Oxfam Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. It will be held at the SECC from 16th to 18th June, with youth delegates then joining in the Civicus World Assembly being held the same week. To find out more go to: http://www.rnw.org.uk/CIVICUS2008.aspx Ends. ]]> From Costa Rica to Cameroon, from the Philippines to Peru and from Egypt to El Salvador, 200 young activists from almost 100 different countries will come together in Glasgow this summer for "the most unique youth event of 2008". ]]>