Russian Federation

National Website: protivbed.ru

National Coalition

If you are interested in working on the campaign, please contact Vitaliy Kartamyshev at vkartamyshev@oxfam.org.uk

Read the GCAP Russia Brochure - English

Events in 2007

October 17: International Day For Poverty Eradication

• Nizhniy Novgorod- village of Inalki: Charity trip to the poorest village- distribution of warm clothes to villagers; Children’s concert and symbolic “Stand Up Speak Out Against Poverty” action. Free legal counseling to homeless and poor people.

• Tyumen: Regional Exhibit-Fair of Civil Society Social projects; symbolic “Stand Up and Speak out” action. Round-table discussions, presentations on municipal grants, social projects that help reduce poverty in the region. Best practice social projects of NGOs receive a symbolic white band and awards “For help to the poor people” on behalf of regional government and Russian GCAP.
• Tolyatti, Samara region: TV discussion panel- “Society’s attitude to poor people in Russia”; photo-exhibition reflecting on the issues faced by poor people; collecting donations, clothes, etc. to be handed over to the poor and homeless. Free legal counseling for poor people in three regions of Tolyatti; round-table discussions “Access to health care by poor people in Samara oblast’” with participation of media, health authorities and local deputies. Public mobilization in front of local council “Stand Up and Speak Out” symbolic action. (students, media and NGO representatives)
• St.Petersburg: Street public mobilization “Stand Up and Speak out”. Symbolic white tent and white bands placed on Nevskiy prospect (main street in St. Petersburg) to campaign on right to a shelter for homeless people. Symbolic visit by head of council of deputies and music celebrities of the white tent. Distribution of post-cards and leaflets about October 17 Day against poverty.
• Tosno, Leningradskaya oblast:

  Student mobilization- Action was forbidden by United Russia political party under pretext of volatile and sensitive political moment on the eve of elections.

Pictures of October 17 in Russia

GCAP Russia Press release available in Russian October 17, GCAP Russia Press Release, Russian and in English October 17, GCAP Russia Press Release, English

07/07/07 events: MDGs Mid Term Review

• Community Development Charity Foundation of Tyumen: Launch of access to health care report: round-table discussion on accessibility of health care for the vulnerable and poor persons in Tyumen region with participation of
  

local authorities, media, other regional NGOs and general public.

• Togliatti Open Alternative: Round table on July 5 regarding the results of healthcare research with the participation of town hall reps, higher education institutions reps and students, local media.
  

• Garant from Arkhangelsk: On July 5 or 7 there'll be a street campaign outside Arkhangelsk town hall with the participation of students who'll be giving out cards, white bands and leaflets with MDGs info.
  

• Center of Women's initiatives, Tosno (Leningrad region): A street campaign by the Legislative Assembly, people giving out white bands and info about the Center's programs
  

• Social assistance to Homeless, city of Vladimir, - white band action on 7.7.07: Launch of permanent center of info support to the vulnerable people, collection of clothes for the homeless, street action "support your neighbour", preparing a list of people who need social assistance at community level.

Events in 2005

White Band day 3: Putting the Spotlight on Trade Injustice

Download an interview by the BBC with GCAP supporters in Russia (mp3 file)

The Russian coalition will mark the White Band Day 3 “Putting the Spotlight on Trade Injustice” by organizing and facilitating a Youth Forum on Russia’s accession to the WTO and letting young people learn and exchange opinions about the world trade regime they would like to see. Oxfam senior trade policy adviser will join the videoconference from Hong Kong to explain live what is happening at WTO Ministerial summit and what are the demands and expectations of GCAP from Hong Kong.

OXFAM GB, TAKINGITGLOBAL-Russia, World Bank and PEACE CHILD INTERNATIONAL would like to invite Russian and British youth to contribute to the discussion that will be held between Russian young people and representatives of Russian government and international organizations and share ideas on possible impacts and impediments that Russia may face upon its accession to WTO in 2006. From the Russian side the audience will consist of 20-30 young activists involved in various youth movements and concerned about poverty and opportunities in Russia, interested in becoming a part of GCAP in Russia. This is an exciting youth mobilization event and a sign of sympathy with the global movement for trade justice and poverty elimination. The organizers of event will make an effort to give priority in participation to youth from the Russia’s regions. Young people in the UK will represent Peace Child International, who are also very actively involved in “Make Trade Fair” campaign.

Youth forum

RUSSIA'S ACCESSION TO WTO: Prospects and challenges The forum is organized within the framework of the worldwide campaign "Global Call to Action Against Poverty" to mark the 3-rd white band day on December 10, 2005. On that day, on the eve of WTO ministerial summit in Hong Kong, GCAP coalitions in almost 70 countries are acting together to put pressure on world leaders to do more to eliminate poverty and in particular to come up with fair trade regulations that take into account interests of the developing nations. As Russia prepares itself to become a member of WTO, it is essential that Russian people, and especially youth, learn about the implications of this process. What challenges and prospects does the membership offer?

The forum also seeks to stimulate a discussion with young people from the UK about their perception of WTO and its role, how they view trade regulations and share their thoughts and experiences with the Russian audience.

The program involves a presentation by a consultant from the Department of WTO entry negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Russian Federation, World Bank senior Trade Economist and followed by an exchange of experiences and ideas with colleagues and youth in the UK.

Oxfam policy trade adviser will deliver a speech about demands that the coalition is putting forward to decision-makers at WTO meeting in Hong Kong.

Wake-Up to Poverty! on Saturday 10th September - White Band Day II.

The Russian coalition will mark the second key day of global GCAP action by holding an indoor "Aleskin against Poverty" concert for 500-1000 people in Aleksin. The building will be wrapped in a white band and white bands and campaign material will be distributed. Then on 11 September a similar event "Rybinsk against Poverty" will take place in Rybinsk for some 500-1000 people. It is expected that there will be extensive local media coverage on the events.

Then on September 12, there will be a reception in Moscow for Russian and international NGOs to celebrate the WBD II together with a presentation from the Azeri coalition "Say no to Poverty".

For more information on these events please contact Vitaliy Kartamyshev, Policy Officer Russian Federation: +7-095-246-49-44