Gearing up for the G8 Summit

UNISONScotland's International Committee reports on Make Poverty History and other international initiatives

UNISON is gearing up for the G8 Summit and Make Poverty History events in July, with a major role in the biggest event on 2 July (see below).

This is a key campaigning year for international development campaigners. Events in 2005 include: hosting of the G8 Summit in June, in Scotland; UK holds the Presidency of the European Union; 20th anniversary of Live Aid concert;

The Commission for Africa Campaigning organisations and charities, such as Oxfam, Christian Aid, ACTSA, SCIAF and the World Development Movement, have identified how they can campaign together to urge the UK Government to commit to the following policies, all of which UNISON has called for in the past:

• Drop the Debt
• Trade justice
• More and Better aid

Demonstration/Rally Edinburgh 2 July

UNISON Scotland has agreed to support the mobilisation for the event in Edinburgh on 2 July.

Key events on 2 July are:-

• Forming a giant human white band around Edinburgh, challenging the G8 to take action

• Sending messages directly to the G8 on two storey high MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY letters

• Hearing campaigners from across the globe sending a clear challenge to the G8

Members should keep in touch with their Branch International Officer to find out how they can participate.

UNISON's Scottish Council also supports the G8 Alternatives coalition and the blockade of Faslane on 4 July organised by Scottish CND and Trident Ploughshares.

Twinning with Cuba

In November last year Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor, arranged a visit to Scotland of a Cuban trade unionist from a Health Workers' union. UNISON Scotland welcomed the opportunity to discuss closer links between UNISON Scotland and that union (SNTS) in the Holguin region.

As a first step, a draft protocol for a Twinning Agreement has been produced and an initially favourable response has been received. Emailing List Emails covering a range of international trade union/social justice issues are received by UNISON Scotland. It is possible to forward these.

If you would like to go on our email list, please contact Michael MacNeil with your email address.

Contact Box

If you would like to know more about any of UNISON's international work, please contact: Michael MacNeil Secretary - UNISON Scotland International Committee UNISON House 14 West Campbell Street G2 6RX 0800 7777 006 M.Macneil@unison.co.uk www.unison- scotland.org.uk/international

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G8 CALL FOR UNISON SUPPORT

UNISON is likely to have two major roles at the G8 demonstration and rally in Edinburgh on July 2. We are likely to be in charge of the stewarding of the demonstration and we also have (at least one) stall at the celebration afterwards. We are looking for activists and members to volunteer to assist with either (or both) jobs. Please contact Michael Macneil at West Campbell Street, m.macneil@unison.co.uk.

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Make Poverty History

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.

"The G8 leaders, when they meet in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on the issue of poverty, especially in Africa. I say to all those leaders: do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision.

"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.

"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up.

"Make Poverty History in 2005. Make History in 2005. Then we can all stand with our heads held high."

Nelson Mandela

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