Child rights

More than 100 million children in the world do not attend school. This lack of basic education means that young people have fewer choices and opportunities and it is hard for developing countries to tackle poverty and disease. »

Climate change

The devastating effects of climate change are global: a hurricane in New Orleans, desertification in West Africa, river erosion in Bangladesh and drought in the UK.  The biggest polluters are the rich countries, but it is the poor who are hardest hit by climate change. People in sub-Saharan Africa emit less than one tonne of carbon per year and people in the US more than 24 tonnes. »

HIV/AIDS

Each day 8,000 people die from HIV/AIDS. Most are from sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV-related illness is the leading cause of adult death. In some African countries life expectancy has plummeted to below 40 years, devastating a whole generation. The depletion of the workforce means economic disaster, food shortages and millions of children orphaned. »

Peace & conflict

Wars are waged for many reasons – race, religion, politics. But whatever the reason the results are the same – death and devastation.  Wars linked to oil, timber, gemstones and drug crops have destroyed entire communities all over the world. And those who pay the highest price are the poor and most vulnerable: women and children. »

Trade

Every country needs trade – it drives the global economy. But the rules are rigged against poorer countries. The IMF and the World Bank have a lot of influence over developing countries’ trade policies. They lend money to poorer countries on condition that they introduce “free trade” economic policies. The idea is that these policies will help the poorer countries repay the loans. But too often the results are increased poverty and vulnerability. »

Women

Women and girls face discrimination in many societies. Cultural traditions, stereotyping and violence are all used to maintain their unequal status. Of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty, 70% are women and girls. High illiteracy levels, unequal pay and a lack of access to health care all work towards keeping women in poverty and hinder their ability to claim their rights. »