Is G8 Debt Cancellation plan paternalistic?
In capital cities around the world, people are gearing up for the International Launch of the Make Poverty History campaign this Friday. The Campaign is calling on people to wear white wrist bands – with the aim of influencing the G8 leaders meeting in Scotland next week, to forgive the debts of several poor nations. But while many community organisations are pleased about the possibility of the debts being cancelled – some are voicing concern about the conditions. Aid Watch campaigner Tim O’Connor says the proposal would see 18 mainly African countries have their debts completely cancelled. Union Aid Abroad’s Ken Davis says although they would like to see the debts cancelled, there are also worrying aspects to the proposal. Oxfam’s Mark Purcell says the many positive aspects must not be ignored.
Make Poverty History
Aid Watch
Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad