More action still needed to tackle global recession
Unions, faith and environmental groups warn world leaders more action is still needed to aid recovery from recession
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Saturday, 13, Jun 2009 08:22
A collection of unions, faith and environmental groups have warned world leaders more action is still needed to help lift nations out of the global recession.
The Put People First alliance took to the streets of London during the recent G20 summit calling for action on jobs, climate change and justice for the world's poor and has today issued an assessment of the response to the financial crisis and what still needs to be done.
Attention has turned to the G8 finance ministers' meeting this weekend in Italy and the upcoming G8 leaders' summit in July with pressure now building on world governments to do more to offer help to the millions unemployed and the millions being pushed into extreme poverty as a result of the financial meltdown.
In its analysis, Put People First has called for a number of new measures including a new multilateral tax information exchange agreement that would help developing countries and all aid promises made to date fulfilled and an end to harmful conditions attached to aid from institutions like the IMF and the World Bank.
The group has also recommended a reform of the financial systems, especially in the UK, to improve global regulation as well as the creation of a "green recovery" by greater investment in green industries.
Commenting on the recommendations, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Some economic commentators are beginning to say that the world is already emerging from the global economic slowdown. But try telling that to people losing their jobs or livelihoods, not just in the UK but around the planet.
"Progress was made in London but much more needs to be done. Some of those talking up green shoots are precisely those who want to go back to business as usual rather than confront the greed that brought about the crash, and avoid the change in economic direction we need to create green jobs, sustain decent public services and reduce the inequality that fed the boom."
Head of policy at ActionAid Claire Melamed added the momentum built up in London should not be lost heading into the GS summit and governments should keep to their promises made in April.
"Now is the time for finance ministers to use this rare window of opportunity to build an international response that is based on people, not special interest groups. Crucial to this is realising that an unfairly regulated economy has wrecked many people's lives at home and across the developing world," she added.