Join our local movement for global change in 2013

Ireland will take centre stage in 2013.

For the first six months of the year we hold the Presidency of the European Union. In June, leaders of some of the world’s most powerful countries will come to a quiet corner of Lough Erne, Fermanagh, for the G8 Summit to discuss the issues that affect us all. 

This is our moment to shine – a rare opportunity for this small island to set the agenda and shape international discussions. With your support, Oxfam Ireland will be working hard to ensure this moment is a catalyst for a better future for the world’s poorest people. Each and every individual here in Ireland can help to make that difference. 

We’re committed to responding to humanitarian emergencies and helping people cope with natural disasters, famine and war… but it’s not enough. We support long-term development to improve the lives and livelihoods of millions through better farming and greater access to education and health services …but that’s still not enough.

For real, lasting change and a world where no one needs to die or live in poverty simply because of the circumstances they were born into, we must tackle the underlying inequalities and root causes of poverty. We need to use our voice and influence to change the way international systems and national governments see and do things. 

Campaigning for change is something we do here in Ireland and around the world. 

CAPTIONS:

Top: Dressed as Homer Simpson, campaigners from Stop Climate Chaos – a coalition of NGOs including Oxfam Ireland – protested outside government buildings in Dublin last November to show how the UN Climate Change Summit taking place a week later in Doha was more likely to be a case of ‘Doh-a’! Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland. 

Upper-left: Oxfam Ireland joins other development agencies for the Act Now 2015 appeal to the Irish government to keep its promises on overseas aid, which is supported by eight out of 10 people. Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland. Upper-right: Oxfam campaigners in Belfast demonstrate how Fairtrade goes with everything during Fairtrade Fortnight 2012. Brian Thompson/Presseye. 

Lower-left: Festival-goers at last summer’s Electric Picnic show their support for our Ending Poverty Starts with Women campaign. Ger Murphy/Oxfam. Lower-right: Campaigners from the Stop Climate Chaos coalition of NGOs which includes Oxfam Ireland make some noise by blowing hundreds of vuvuzelas outside the Dáil in November 2011 to highlight the slow pace of political action to combat climate change. Ger Murphy/Oxfam. 

Bottom: Oxfam supporter Bel Zhong decorates the Spire on Dublin’s O’Connell Street with a giant paper chain to mark the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign last month. Sasko Lazarov

Take Tanzania, for example. Not only do we support poor and marginalised communities in building a brighter future (e.g. by making a sustainable living through new farming techniques or helping those living with HIV and AIDS to access healthcare) but we are also helping to amplify their voices and ensure they are heard. 

For example, we’re supporting Maasai communities so that they are equipped to take part in a national discussion about the new Tanzanian constitution – ensuring that they can put forward their case for new guarantees ensuring they won’t be moved from their land and that their rights will be respected. 

In 2012, thousands of people joined Oxfam Ireland to campaign for change for the first time. And as the world focuses on events here throughout the year, we can’t wait for the big and bold challenge in 2013 that we are ready to rise to and eager to face. 

Why not join us and be part of something amazing in 2013?