A campaign launched in December 2004 by a coalition of over 100 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities which aims to reduce world poverty by lobbying governments (in particular the UK Government).

Its stated aims are to pursuade the governments of richer countries to:

• drop the debt owed to them by poorer countries;

• make global trade fairer by changing the rules;

• provide sustainable aid to poor countries.

None of these aims are new, and there have been many attempts over the last few decades to achieve them. However, Make Poverty History sets out a timescale revolving around the G8 Summit 2005 in the UK which also coincides with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid.

The symbol being used to represent the campaign is a white armband, these are sold for a recommended donation of a pound over the Internet and at Oxfam and Save the Children shops.

Surporters

Surport is made up of over 300 charities, trade unions, pressure groups and faith groups.

It is also supported by Nelson Mandela, Bono, Bob Geldof and many other celebrities.

Notable events

The campaign was given a high profile launch on British television on New Year's Day 2005 in a special edition of Vicar of Dibley which is written by Richard Curtis who has pledged support for the campaign during 2005.

External links

• Official website: [1]
• Click: a moving video by Make Poverty History