45 million children to die of poverty before 2016

Issue 

On December 6, Oxfam released a report showing that 45 million children will die, and another 97 million will be unable to go to school, because of poverty that could be eliminated if the seven most industrialized countries fulfilled their 1970 commitment to dedicate 0.7% of GDP to eliminating Third World poverty. Oxfam International Director Jeremy Hobbs told the media that rich countries have actually halved the proportion of GDP dedicated to foreign aid since the 1960s. At the same time, he said, the amount of money paid by the world's poorest countries to rich nations to service debts had increased to US$100 million a day.

From Green Left Weekly, December 15, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.