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Press Release from MakePovertyHistory, June, 6,2005:   In just six days, over 1 million emails have been sent by supporters of the Global Call for Action against Poverty to leaders and Finance Ministers around the world. Joining these emails was an open letter in the worlds leading press signed by many high profile names such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Claudia Schiffer, Bono, Bob Geldof, Mary Robinson, author Margaret Atwood and actors George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Zambian boy with White Band worn around the wrist

  On Thursday the 9th June campaigners from around the world were joined by Claudia Schiffer to call in the G8 Finance Ministers to act when they meet in London on 10th and 11th June.

The Finance Ministers meeting marks a crucial moment for significant decisions on policies which could lift millions out of debilitating poverty.

GCAP spokesperson Kumi Naidoo said: "The G8 Finance Ministers meeting is a test of the political will and honesty of the world's richest countries to fulfill their promise to halve poverty by 2015. Millions of people around the world are demanding justice for the developing world. When they arrive for their meeting on Friday, the Ministers will have no doubt that we will no longer stand by and watch them again fail to fulfill their obligations and promises to help eradicate poverty."

MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is a coalition of over 200 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities.  Make Poverty History is the UK arm of the Global Call for Action Against Poverty a network of organisations representing over 150 million people from 60 different countries.

Nelson Mandela with School children with “Send my children to school” illustrations, Trafalgar Square, 3 February 2005, Photo by MakePovertyHistory

On Thursday 3rd February, Nelson Mandela came to London at the invitation of Make Poverty History coalition to endorse the biggest anti-poverty campaign ever and meet with the finance ministers of the world's richest countries.

Nelson Mandela issued a rallying cry to make poverty history in front of over 22,000 people in Trafalgar Square.

The former South African President, who was wearing a white band throughout his address, gave his full backing to our campaign and acknowledged the unique opportunity for making an impact in 2005.

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings."

"The G8 leaders, when they meet in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on the issue of poverty, especially in Africa. I say to all those leaders: do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision."

"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom."

"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up."

"Make Poverty History in 2005. Make History in 2005. Then we can all stand with our heads held high."

http://www.whiteband.org/

More information is available at www.makepovertyhistory.org.

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