The challenge for the debt campaign...

"It was like a dream to me. Not to pay anything when you visit a clinic is amazing. I will announce at the village as soon as I arrive that the fees have been scrapped."
- Peter Chibize from Shamatuli village, after debt cancellation allowed Zambia to scrap fees for rural health centres

"It is unjust, immoral and even criminal to require the Haitian population, many of whom live in conditions of extreme poverty, to repay loans contracted by dictators and not used for the benefit of
the people."
- Colette Lespinasse, GARR Haiti

Dear Campaigner,

This week is Global Debt Week, when Jubilee campaigns in over 60 countries are taking action on international debt.

A hearing in the Hague yesterday heard the effects of World Bank policies on cotton farmers in Mali, electricity supplies in Nicaragua, and food security in Malawi. Last night, an event at the
London School of Economics saw a spirited discussion of the continuing debt burden in Africa, and the possibilities for African countries to refuse to pay.

There is plenty more to come - and it's not too late to get involved. Find out how you can take part in the week at: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/debtweek

Tomorrow, millions of people around the world will Stand Up and Speak Out against poverty and inequality, as part of a new world record attempt. On Friday, campaigners in the UK will ask their MPs to lift the lid on illegitimate debts. And this weekend, Jubilee campaigners will converge on Washington DC for the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, as an 'October Rebellion' confronts these institutions that put profit over people everywhere.

As we take part in the week, we know that debt cancellation, for those countries that have received it, is working. Real people's lives, like Peter Chibize's, have been changed. But we also know that
there is much work remaining for the global Jubilee movement. As Lidy Nacpil from Jubilee South writes in her message to Northern debt campaigners this month:

"One of the biggest challenges for the global debt movement today is to correct the perception that the debt problem has largely been solved... In fact, the majority of the peoples of the South continue
to suffer from the injustice and staggering burden of debt... We continue to struggle for freedom."

That is why we are taking part in Global Debt Week, and that is why we need your support,

Best wishes,
Jubilee Debt Campaign

DEBT WEEK INFO:

- WORLD vs BANK Tribunal: http://www.worldbankcampaigneurope.org

- Stand Up and Speak Out events and pledge: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/standup

- Jubilee Debt Campaign blog from the annual meetings: http://www.jubileedebt.blogspot.com

- Lift the Lid MP lobby day: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/lobby

GET MORE INVOLVED:

- Donate: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/donate

- Resources for faith groups: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/faith

- Become a Debt Activist: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/newsletter

- Register your group, school or congregation: http://www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/signup

- Join Jubilee Debt Campaign on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2219421440