ActionAid tax campaigners meet Timms - PICTURES AVAILABLE

Campaigners demanding tax justice for developing countries were able to put their point of view to a minister this morning (Tuesday 1 September), when Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, met them on the steps of the Treasury building in Horse Guards Road, Westminster.

Anna Thomas of ActionAid explained to the minister that a new group, the Outlandish Revenue Service, would be campaigning for international action to curb tax dodging by multinational corporations. Tax evasion currently deprives poor countries of more revenue than they receive as international aid.

The campaign's first aim is to ensure that G20 finance ministers, who meet in London later this week, agree by the end of the year on tax proposals which will benefit developing countries.

Mr Timms said: 'At a time of such an unprecedented economic crisis it is important that we should support the interests of developing countries by making sure they receive the taxes due to them.'

The Outlandish Revenue Service is a group brought together by ActionAid, and launched today with the promise that it will 'will go to ludicrous lengths to get tax justice for developing countries'.

Campaigners in suits and bowler hats, carrying red briefcases, held a 'recruiting drive' outside the Treasury building in London's Whitehall. As Treasury staff arrived for work this morning they were given cards offering exciting jobs (unpaid, alas) tracking down the billions of dollars that developing countries lose through tax evasion.

If even a fraction of the lost tax were recovered, health, education and food production in poor countries could be transformed.

Anna Thomas said: "There is now a lot of momentum in the G20 on international tax cooperation. The UK government, which has played a leading role, must press ahead on the very important commitment that the proposals should deliver benefits to developing countries."

A YouGov survey commissioned by ActionAid and released today found that most adults in the UK are unaware of the scale of illegal tax evasion by multinational companies operating in poor countries. Most of those questioned were surprised to learn that poor countries lose more money to tax evasion than they receive in aid. Once they knew this, nearly two-thirds agreed that the UK should help developing countries to clamp down on tax-dodging.

Clinton in Congo: ActionAid calls for end to violence against women and girls in Congo

"We call on Secretary Clinton to lead the US response to end violence against women and girls particularly in the light of her involvement as a co-sponsor of the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) in the last session of Congress," said Bibiane Mbaye, ActionAid’s Policy Coordinator in West and Central Africa.

Over 600 civilians have been killed in the country, thousands of women and girls raped, dozens of villages burned to the ground and over 800,000 people displaced from their homes since the start of military operations in January.

"Women and girls have been bearing the brunt of this war for close to fifteen years. The culture of impunity in the face of gross violations against the rights of women and girls must end," said Mbaye.

It is estimated that close to 80,000 people were displaced from their homes in June alone and the exodus continues. In such situations, women and girls are at increased risk of violence and HIV/AIDS.

"We call on the US to fulfil their commitments to resource and implement a comprehensive approach to ending the violence," said Alpha Sankoh, ActionAid’s country programme manager in DRC.

"Ongoing fighting in the east of the country has put women and girls in a precarious position as increasingly many of them are raped when trying to escape and this must end," he added.

Clinton in South Africa

Hillary Clinton must support African efforts to address governance and post-conflict rebuilding, says ActionAid

ActionAid is calling on Hilary Clinton to work with African leaders to help restore the fragile democratic systems in neighbouring countries.

"We are calling on Secretary of State Clinton to take a strong stand in support of human rights and the rule of law in the region," said Njeri Mwangi Kinyoho, ActionAid’s policy manager in East and Southern Africa.

The US needs to help people rebuild their lives after years of sanctions and political infighting that have brought countries like Zimbabwe to the brink of economic collapse.

"In Zimbabwe we are witnessing a return to normal life. People are beginning to have hope and the coalition government is really trying its best to see this through. The US needs to look at the situation again and help to rebuild a country that has been shattered by bad politics," she added.

"Zimbabwe’s path of national reconciliation needs all the support it can get to guard against another bout of violence derailing reforms that are currently underway. The US should increase its assistance to support reconciliation and development."

Hilary Clinton’s visit to South Africa comes at a time when the government is facing huge strikes, threatening to derail the new administration, along with an influx of economic migrants.

"In South Africa we need the Obama government to support the African Union Governance Project, holding African governments accountable to their citizens and ensuring basic services to the poor. This would

put a stop to the problems crippling service delivery prompting the massive strikes," said Zanele Twala ActionAid South Africa Country Director.

Pakistan fighting could swell camp population to 800,000 - ActionAid is there

ActionAid press release
for immediate release 12 May 2009

Pakistan needs international help to cope with the hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing the fighting between government and Taliban forces in northwest Pakistan, ActionAid said today.

Fikre Zewdie, director of ActionAid Pakistan said: “More than 800,000 people could soon be living in camps or waiting for places in them. People urgently need food, water, shelter, sanitation and health care. The fighting could continue for a longer period, so they will not be going home soon. Pakistan cannot handle a crisis on this scale without international help.”

ActionAid staff are now in the field assessing the situation so that ActionAid can respond appropriately and effectively to help those in need.

The exodus began when government forces began operations against the Taliban in Swat and neighbouring districts last week. The temporary lifting of a curfew on Sunday 10 May allowed many more people to leave.

About 360,000 displaced people have now registered with the authorities, in camps or other locations, in Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda and Kohat districts. But many more are waiting to register or still on the move. Authorities in Mardan estimate that altogether 600,000 to 800,000 people have been displaced by the latest fighting.

The majority are expected to find rented accommodation or stay with relatives. But accommodation in the towns is becoming scarce. Aid agencies estimate that 300,000 will come to the camps, where 560,000 are already living because of earlier fighting in tribal areas. This could swell the camp population to more than 800,000.

People are queuing in very hot weather for tents or shelters, often fruitlessly. Water, medicine and sanitation facilities are very scarce and people are becoming increasingly agitated. The registration process requires identity documents, but some people left home too hurriedly to bring these with them and many, particularly women, do not have ID cards in the first place.

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ActionAid is a registered charity No. 274467 and a company limited by guarantee
Registered office: ActionAid, Hamlyn House, MacDonald Rd, London N19 5PG, UK
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City workers asked to dress down for charity not anarchists by ActionAid

As city workers get ready to dress down on April 1^st to avoid antagonising any anarchists, international development charity ActionAid is asking them to turn the day into a force for good, pay a fine and give any money raised to charity.

Richard Turner, ActionAid’s Fundraising Director said: “It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. City workers can show their commitment to fighting poverty by paying a fine for wearing casual clothes.

“We normally suggest donating £2. But despite the recession, city workers can still probably afford to add some noughts to that. Or they can go one better and sign up to a long term donation by sponsoring a child.”

ActionAid believes that the world is in crisis and that the leaders of the G20 have a unique opportunity to make far-reaching reforms when they meet in London on Thursday.

ActionAid also believes that business has a major role to play and can be a force for good when people’s rights are placed at the centre of their concerns.

Richard Turner concluded: “Governments must take the crucial steps needed to rebuild the global economy in a way that delivers decent jobs and services and eradicates the scourge of global poverty and inequality.

“Individuals and businesses can do their bit too, ensuring families and communities in the world’s poorest countries become more resilient. They can give to charity, green their lives and businesses and campaign for lasting change.”

Madonna Malawi adoption - ActionAid statement

Madonna and inter country adoption – ActionAid statement

As Madonna goes to court to finalise the adoption of Mercy James in Malawi, ActionAid says there are better ways to help in a world where over 27,000 children die from preventable diseases every day.

ActionAid spokesperson, Jane Moyo said: “Whilst Madonna’s proposed adoption in Malawi may help one child, it’s not going to make a difference to the millions of children living and dying in poverty in the developing world.

"ActionAid believes there are better ways to help. We need to keep parents alive and families together by fighting the extreme poverty that destroys lives.

"Malawi and countries across Africa need sustainable long-term help to address the crucial issues of poverty and Aids that annihilate families and communities."

ActionAid say that in the UK, people can help ensure children, their families and communities become more resilient by signing up to child sponsorship shemes or other forms of giving, and by campaigning for lasting change.

Jane Moyo concluded: "We do not doubt Madonna’s good intentions. But if at all possible a child should remain in their own family and community."