WORLD DEBT DAY 2007 - TAKE ACTION

Dear Jubilee Debt Campaigner,

Today, as we mark World Debt Day, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is likely to learn whether he will lose his job over a corruption scandal. But many of the debts still draining poor countries of resources represent an even bigger corruption scandal.

Poor countries are still repaying unaffordable loans which the rich world gave irresponsibly. Some of these were to oppressive regimes, often for arms sales. Others were for useless projects from which only western companies benefited. Some were to corrupt rulers who were known to be stealing money, but who supported the West in the Cold War. Still others were on unfair terms.

Continuing to take payment for these loans doesn't just worsen poverty. It also prolongs a terrible injustice - making the poor pay for corruption, oppression and corporate profits.

Today, please tell the UK government that it time to lift the lid on illegitimate debts.

http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/lift

We are calling on the rich world to 'lift the lid' on the debt crisis by investigating the origins and impacts of debts; cancelling illegitimate and unpayable debts; and putting an end to irresponsible
lending.

It is nine years today since 70,000 people formed a human chain in Birmingham, telling the G8 to tackle the debt crisis. Since then, over 20 countries have had substantial debt cancellation, with around $100 billion wiped out.

But the debt crisis is much wider than that, and it is still causing poverty. Rich countries are only just starting to accept the role that they played in creating the crisis. Now they must take responsibility for ending it.

Take action: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/lift

Best wishes,
Jubilee Debt Campaign