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Sturgeon calls for commitment on UN aid target |
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Monday, 06 June 2005 |
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 SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon MSPÂ has reiterated calls by the party to raise Scotland's contribution to international development spending to 0.7 per cent of national income, with a long-term goal of raising the level to one per cent.
Ms Sturgeon made the call as the Scottish Parliament hosted the G8 Parliamentary conference involving around 80 politicians from around the world. The conference aims to draft a rescue plan for Africa which will be presented to the leaders of the G8 nations at Gleneagles in July.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"Today's conference will add to pressure on G8 leaders to make a real difference to the lives of millions of Africans across the continent. We must now face up to the challenge and pledge to raise our contribution to international development spending to 0.7 per cent of national income sooner rather than later. With 50,000 Africans dying every day due to poverty, we must act now to alleviate this humanitarian tragedy.
"For 30 years, successive British governments have failed to meet the UN's target on aid. It is unacceptable and immoral that the UK has failed to live up to its international commitments for so long.
"We must now increase the pressure on the Labour Government to meet the UN's aid target by 2009 at the latest, rather than the 2013 target they have set themselves. The people of Africa simply cannot wait any longer for this vital support.
"Such action would also demonstrate Scotland's commitment to helping the nations of Africa which are crippled by debt and poverty and illustrate Scots' desire to help create a fairer and safer world." |
