UK NGOs call for sixth ESF theme/axis on global poverty

Call from UK NGOs wishing to participate in the 3rd European Social Forum in
London in October 2004 for a sixth overarching theme to address the issues
of Poverty, Economic Justice and the Global South.

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The banner headlines of the Social Forum movement are: ’Another World is
Possible’ and ’People before Profit’. As NGOs, we consider that a
significantly higher emphasis needs to be given to the unequal and
exploitative relationship between Europe and the Global South which results
in death, hardship and suffering for so many of the world’s people.

To achieve this we believe that the existing 5 themes need to be expanded. A
Sixth theme directly addressing the causes and solutions to global poverty
such as canceling debt, making trade fair, fighting HIV/AIDS and securing
greater and better aid urgently needs to be added.

If we do not add this Sixth theme we, UK NGOs, do not believe that this
year’s European Social Forum will properly reflect Europe’s legacy on
millions of the world’s citizens, for whom achieving ’Another World’ where
’Profit does not come before People’ runs to the heart of what our Forum
needs to address.

We, the undersigned UK NGOs, therefore, request that the European Programme
Group meeting in Paris on 29 May 2004 agree to the addition of this Sixth
over-arching theme encompassing: Poverty, Economic Justice and the Global
South.

Stop Aids Campaign
Trade Justice Movement (UK)
Jubilee Debt Campaign
Amnesty International (UK)
Oxfam GB
Actionaid UK
Christian Aid
Anti-Slavery International
War on Want
World Development Movement
One World UK