OxFam: U.S./U.K. 'special relationship' could ease world suffering

Social justice news
July 30, 2007

OxFam: U.S./U.K. 'special relationship' could ease world suffering
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown should use Britain's relationship with the United States to address global issues that are keeping people locked in poverty in developing countries, said international agency Oxfam today.

Top of the list of priorities for the U.K. and U.S. leaders should be action to resolve conflicts in Iraq, Sudan and Afghanistan and to ensure the provision of adequate humanitarian assistance to those affected. Responses to climate change and reform of world trade rules are also vital areas where bilateral cooperation could make a significant difference, said Oxfam.

Phil Bloomer, Oxfam's Director of Campaigns and Policy, said: "Together the U.S. and U.K. have a significant influence on world events and the so-called 'special relationship' has the potential to make a positive difference to the lives of millions. We are hoping that Gordon Brown's first visit as Prime Minister to the US will result in concrete plans for trans-Atlantic cooperation and multilateral action to alleviate poverty and suffering around the world."

On Iraq: Oxfam today released a report showing that 8 million Iraqis are currently in need of emergency aid. The report, produced with NCCI, a network of aid organisations working in Iraq, says although the appalling security situation is the biggest problem facing most ordinary Iraqis, the government of Iraq and other influential governments should do more to meet basic needs for water, sanitation, food and shelter.

On Afghanistan: The U.K. and U.S. should ensure all international military forces minimize civilian casualties by using only proportionate force. They should also agree to inject much more aid and support for economic regeneration especially to non-opium agriculture and help Afghanistan deliver essential services, such as education, health and clean water at village level.

On Darfur (Sudan): Oxfam welcomes the fact that Darfur is on the agenda of Mr. Brown and Mr. Bush. The two leaders should push for a strengthened ceasefire to be adhered to by all parties in the conflict. Only this will have the kind of immediate impact that is needed to improve humanitarian access, stop attacks on civilians and end the large displacements of people. Without the ceasefire in place, talk of the hybrid force means little to the people on the ground.

On trade: Oxfam believes that reform of world trade rules is essential if developing countries are to benefit from globalisation. However, the most recent proposals from the chairs of negotiations at the World Trade Organisation do not form the basis of a development deal.

"Rich countries at the WTO must stop treating development-friendly policies as a concession," said Bloomer. "Development should be front and centre in these talks, otherwise the resulting deal will not help to reduce poverty. The leaders of the U.K. and US should be reminding each other and their developed world colleagues of the joint commitment to deliver on development."

On climate change: Oxfam wants Britain and the U.S. to commit to deliver their fair share of funding to help the world's poorest countries adapt to climate change. They should introduce tough domestic emissions reductions targets, and show leadership to get a UN international agreement by 2009 that ensures global warming does not exceed 2°C.

"Climate change is already hitting the poorest people hardest," said Bloomer. "Without the U.S. and the U.K. both on board and showing leadership, the effort to respond to this global threat will be seriously undermined. We hope that Mr. Brown and Mr. Bush will be able to come to an agreement about the importance of acting fast, within the UN framework, on this issue."

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