Bono tells Governments 'We're watching'

SINGER STANDS WITH GCAP AS MILLIONS MARK MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS MID-POINT

July 7th 2007 - Anti-poverty campaigners are today holding hundreds of events in more than 40 countries today to mark the midway point for the UN Millennium Development Goals and to hold their governments accountable.  Under the umbrella of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), the July 7th events draw attention to the inexcusable pace of progress by governments to meet these goals and also highlight the growing threat of climate change on the poor and marginalised (details below)

Expressing his support for the GCAP events taking place in poor and rich countries today, U2 singer and co-founder of DATA, BONO said:

"The G8 countries in particular have been strolling towards the MDGs as though there is all the time in the world - but the poorest people don't have all the time in the world.  Every day that passes means more mothers are losing their children to malaria, a mosquito bite, or diarrhoea, an upset stomach.  This is madness. In Europe and America we give aid, but not enough, and we trade, but only on our own terms. At the start of the 21st century, governments in the north and south promised to end the injustice of extreme, stupid poverty.  We will be watching every minute through to 2015 and will hold the politicians to account.”

Meanwhile in developing countries, where millions continue to live in inexcusable conditions, people are holding their leaders accountable and demanding better governance, pro-poor trade, more and better aid and debt cancellation.  Campaigners in countries like Benin, El Salvador, India, Ghana, DR. Congo, Indonesia and Sri Lanka have joined forces through rallies, petitions, debates and cultural events with Australia, Georgia, Austria, Spain, Portugal and South Africa to make this joint appeal. All actions around the world with pictures are posted on www.whiteband.org

To reflect on the growing threat of climate change on the poor in particular and demand action, GCAP Chair, Kumi Naidoo, will today take the stage during the LIVE EARTH concert in Johannesburg to address the local and international audience.
"Climate change risks undermining efforts to alleviate poverty and meet the MDGs. If unhalted, it will cause more people go hungry, more to suffer and die from illness due to lack of access to clean water. Governments must address the problem now, it is a simple matter of political will."

GCAP campaigners will continue to exert their pressure on governments throughout 2007.  On October 17th they will act jointly with the UN Millennium Campaign to take part in Stand Up & Speak out activities registering millions via www.standagainstpoverty.org

To book an interview or for more details contact:
Ciara O’Sullivan, GCAP Media Coordinator, Cel: +34 679 594 809
E-mail: ciara_os@hotmail.com                   www.whiteband.org

For information on the MDGs - www.millenniumcampaign.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) is a global alliance of International NGOs, grass roots organizations, trade unions, community groups, women’s organizations, faith groups, youth groups, local associations and other campaigners working together across more than 100 national coalitions. GCAP is calling for action from the world’s leaders to meet their promises to end poverty and inequality.

In 2000, 189 governments agreed to a set of eight time-bound targets (MDGs) which, if achieved, will help alleviate extreme poverty by 2015.  In Africa, for example, 13 African countries (mostly in North Africa) can achieve or come close to the MDGs by 2015 if they continue at the current pace.  The remaining African countries have not made any progress in gender equality and women's empowerment, and millions of Africans are still living in an ocean of poverty.

A white band as the symbol of solidarity used by GCAP campaigners.

Facts on the MDGs and Climate Change and Poverty
Greenhouse gas emissions have caused global temperatures to rise by .74 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the 20th century and if not reduced urgently global temperatures could exceed 2 degrees.

It is estimated that 60% of current human migration is caused by climate change and natural disasters.

On current trends sub-Saharan Africa will not meet sanitation set out by the Un Millennium Development goals until 2105 and in Zambia until 2130

$47bn per year is needed to meet Health, Education and Water Sanitation Millennium Development Goals by 2015.  $1 trillion is spent on military each year and $40bm on pet food each year around world- the money is available it is a question of political will where it is directed.

It would take $4bn per year to meet MDG 7 on halving the number of people who don't have access to drinking water. That is the same as Europe spends on bottled water each month.

Melting glaciers increases the risk of flooding.  The rise in sea levels could oblige the forced displacement of over 200 million people.

Harvests will continue to decrease particularly in Africa. By 2100 Chad, Niger and Zambia risk losing almost their entire agricultural sector.

The health impact of climate change on the poor is extreme.  Diarrhoea caused by lack of access to clean water is responsible for the deaths of 5 million people (90% children).  It is estimated that climate change, at current levels, could lead to a 10% increase in cases in some regions by 2030.

At current rates, by 2015 around 2.170 million people around the world will still lack basic health services and 650 million will not have access to drinking water.


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