Music:
CAMPAIGNING
CAFOD supporters take action in numerous different ways to try and change the world for the better. Below is a taster of the campaigns we are involved in.
UNEARTH JUSTICE
What's it all about?
CAFOD are working to get poor communities to have a much larger say in whether and how minerals are mined and who benefits therefore trying to ensure poor communities benefit from their mineral wealth. We are calling on governments and multi-national businesses to make changes in mining practises which will end this injustice. CAFOD is fighting for jewellers to sign the Golden Rules which are about considering the affected communities, human rights and environmental standards.
Three reasons why this action is vital to mining communities:
- In developing countries, mining is all too often a cause of conflict, water shortages, polluted water supplies and lands poisoned by toxic waste.
- Currently, it is almost impossible for jewellers to trace exactly where their gold has come from or to guarantee the conditions in which it has been mined. 12 Golden Rules aim to change this by committing jewellers to work within the industry to improve the way gold is mined.
- Campaigning works: 45,000 people signed petitions calling for clean gold and, spurred by this pressure, seven leading UK jewellers have signed the golden rules. In the USA, 25 jewellers have also signed up.
How can you get involved?
There will be a free exhibition running this summer to explore the truth behind gold through striking images from three continents - and discover how you can help turn gold from a curse to a blessing for the countries where it is mined. It will be running from 21 May to the 1 June 2008 at the gallery@oxo on the Southbank in London. The exhibition will then tour UK cities including Reading, Plymouth, Cardiff and Bristol.
CLIMATE CHANGE
What's it all about?
Climate change threatens the globe and affects everyone, especially people living in poverty. Rich countries are largely responsible for the pollution and environmental damage causing global warming. Severe climate conditions, floods and droughts are the result. The poorest countries are least able to cope with this.
We are currently integrating climate change work into our overseas programmes. This is done by assessing specific threats faced by particular communities and developing strategies to reduce risk and prepare for change. We also continue to support relief work carried out to help those affected by climate disasters around the world, such as hurricanes, floods, and drought. The effects of climate change undermines long-term development work, so CAFOD's overseas programmes in this area support communities in adapting to the new challenges of climate change.
How can you get involved?
This autumn supporters will be lobbying and emailing their MPs to ensure a stronger and more effective UK Climate Change Bill. If you want to get involved and lobby your MP, take a look here
