Five years ago, former South African President Nelson Mandela told a crowd of 22,000 gathered in Trafalgar Square: "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."
Now, to mark the anniversary of that speech, ONE is challenging the UK's party leaders to rise to the challenge Mandela set and explain their plans to eradicate extreme poverty.
ONE plans to ask six questions of UK parties about their plans, including their positions on international aid and development funding, investing in Africa and what they propose to continue the UK's tradition of leadership in the fight against poverty.
Join the effort to get politicians to take a stand on poverty. Demand that the UK's political parties go "on the record" with their plans to fight extreme poverty.
Dear
[Party leader]:
Please go "On the Record" to help the public better understand your plans for fighting extreme poverty.
[Your personalized comments will be added to this letter.]
1. Global leadership
With the UN's September Summit focusing on extreme poverty and the Millennium Development Goals, there is a historic opportunity for progress. How will you make the most of this opportunity?
2. The UK's promise
If elected, what would you do to ensure the UK delivers on its commitment to give 0.7% of Gross National Income as development assistance?
3. Climate and development
What would you do to secure a global climate deal that helps people living in poverty and would you ensure that climate funding is additional to current and promised aid flows?
4. Improving aid
UK development assistance is well respected, but are there ways in which you would increase its effectiveness?
5. Security and development
What is your position on using development funding for security operations?
6. Investment in Africa
How would you ensure private sector investment in Africa helps to reduce poverty?
