Protesters demand action on poverty

World leaders must put tackling poverty at the heart of future global policy making, Irish campaigners demanded today.

Representatives from charities and other NGOs staged a protest outside the Central Bank in Dublin city centre to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

They called on political leaders gathering in Davos to take action and end profit-driven exploitation of poorer nations.

“Powerful global actors are meeting in Davos,” said Nina Sachau from campaign group Comhlamh.

“They have the power to take decisions that will end the exploitation of poor countries. The global economy has been structured to benefit rich countries and companies at the expense of the poor. We need to see a radical shift in the policies being pursued by these powerful governments and corporations,”

The protest in Dublin was part of a Global Day of Action organised by environmental and social justice activists from around the world.

“Ireland plays a significant role in shaping global agreements which often favour business at the expense of ordinary people,” said Dr David McNair from Christian Aid Ireland.

“Trade agreements, such as the European Union-led Economic Partnership Agreements open up developing country markets without regard to the negative impact on jobs, livelihoods or public services.”

Campaigners also criticised the Government’s support for international financial institutions which, they claim, impose policies on poor countries and deepen poverty.