Moving story of Syrian refugees told through their phones in ‘District Zero’ documentary
The trailer of documentary, produced by Oxfam and the European Commission, will be presented on 20th June to mark World Refugee Day ‘District Zero’ features Maamun – one of 55 million refugees and displaced person worldwide – who runs a mobile phone shop in Jordan’s Zaatari camp The story of a Syrian refugee who begins…
Read MoreOxfam International Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima: Empower Women, End Extreme Poverty
Winnie Byanyima spoke with Canadian media while in Montreal for the Economic Forum of the Americas. Read more here.
Read MoreOxfam supplying water to more than a million people in Syria, seeks to expand operations
Oxfam is planning to expand its response to the Syrian crisis as it renews an agreement with the government in Damascus. Oxfam is currently helping to provide water for more than a million people across conflict lines by drilling new wells and repairing old and damaged water networks. Last week a state-of-the-art treatment plant in…
Read MoreIslamic Relief & Oxfam Canada: June 16, 2015
RAMADAN LAUNCH 2015 Islamic Relief and Oxfam Canada will host an exciting event to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, tackling two of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change and economic inequality. Keynote address will be delivered by renowned author and activist Naomi Klein. With an address by Julie Delahanty, Executive…
Read MoreG7 neglecting plight of the poor
The G7 countries have made a stuttering start on climate change but have largely neglected the plight of people living in poverty, said Oxfam at the close of the annual leaders’ summit in Germany today. Jorn Kalinski, Oxfam’s G7 spokesperson said: “G7 leaders have indicated that fossil fuels are on their way out. However commitments made in…
Read MoreG7 companies cheat Africa out of billions of dollars
G7 based companies and investors cheated Africa out of an estimated $US 6 billion in 2010 through just one form of tax dodging, according to a new Oxfam report ‘Money talks: Africa at the G7’, released today. This is equivalent to three times the amount needed to plug the healthcare funding gap in Ebola affected…
Read More7.8M hungry in South Sudan due to food scarcity & conflict
Responding to the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) or food analysis report for South Sudan, Oxfam South Sudan Country Director, Zlatko Gegic said: “A frightening number of people in South Sudan are already severely hungry and 800,000 more are expected to join them as fighting prevents many from getting the help they urgently need. “Fear…
Read MoreTwo-thirds of people in conflict hit Yemen without clean water
Ongoing airstrikes, ground fighting and fuel shortages mean that an additional 3 million Yemenis are now without drinking water – raising the total number of Yemenis without a clean water supply and sanitation to at least 16 million – almost two-thirds of the population, Oxfam warned today. People are being forced to drink unsafe water…
Read MoreOne month on, Oxfam reaching Nepal’s most isolated in a race against the monsoon
One month on since the first earthquake hit Nepal, Oxfam is working with mountain guides and porters to deliver life saving aid to the most remote communities before the imminent monsoon hits the country. Mountain guides and porters are assisting Oxfam with its relief delivery in the Gorkha district, one of the worst hit by…
Read MoreNew OECD Inequality Report: It’s about women’s rights!
Commenting on the new OECD report released today – In It Together: Why Less Inequality Benefits All – Oxfam Canada Executive Director Julie Delahanty said: “Today’s report is simply the latest evidence of the wrong choices made by governments in recent years. It is also another clear signpost on the path to a world with less…
Read MoreAid delivered as cholera confirmed among Burundian refugees in Tanzania
Overcrowding and a lack of clean water and sanitation facilities have led to cholera among the estimated 40,000 Burundian refugees including in the Tanzanian border town of Kagunga. Already 20 cases of cholera have been confirmed in the Kagunga and Nyarugusu refugee camps, where new arrivals are being received. The UN reports that 1057 cases of…
Read MoreSouth Sudan – Violations of Humanitarian Law Escalating
In response to the statement by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Mr. Toby Lanzer, regarding violations of International Humanitarian Law in Leer and Malakal, Oxfam South Sudan Country Director Zlatko Gegic said: “We are alarmed and deeply concerned by reports of eyewitness accounts of targeted rape and killing of civilians, including children. The…
Read MoreSouth Sudan crack down on NGOs
South Sudan's parliament has unanimously passed a bill that would severely limit the NGO sector in the world's youngest country. In response, Zlatko Gegic, Country Director for Oxfam South Sudan, said: “While we understand the need for appropriate regulation of non-government organizations, we must ensure any regulation fosters a robust and independent civil society and…
Read MoreDevastating earthquakes in Nepal – Please Help
Cecilia Keizer, Oxfam’s country director in Nepal said: “This is a double disaster leaving many of the survivors of the first earthquake shocked and fearful of further tremors. Our teams in the quake areas reported that buildings collapsed and landslides have blocked the roads. They too were very shaken but immediately got back to work.…
Read MoreBringing communities on board was key to Liberia’s success says Oxfam, as nation officially is declared Ebola free
In response to Liberia officially being declared Ebola free, Oxfam’s Country Director in Liberia Mamudu Salifu said: “Today’s good news is a step forward for Liberia and also gives hope to the countries still tackling the disease. Liberia has worked hard to reach this point and the nation and its people should take credit for…
Read MoreNeed for shelter in monsoons biggest concern in rural areas of Nepal
Oxfam is on the ground in Nepal, providing food, clean drinking water and shelter to thousands. A team of Oxfam from India has set up base in Gorkha district, one of the worst affected regions after the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oxfam India, Nisha Agrawal is in Nepal, taking stock…
Read MoreRace to reach Nepal earthquake survivors before monsoon rains
Survivors of Nepal's massive earthquake are in a race against time to secure shelter and adequate sanitation before the monsoon rains begin in early June. Tens of thousands of people have seen their homes flattened or damaged to such an extent that it is not safe for them to return. Oxfam has been working with…
Read MoreAid starting to get through despite airport bottleneck and fuel shortages
A bottleneck of people and supplies at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport combined with nationwide fuel shortages, blocked roads and difficult terrain is hampering the efforts of aid agencies and emergency services to reach earthquake survivors, warns Oxfam today. The international agency says there are huge challenges in getting help to the tens of thousands of people…
Read MoreOxfam Welcomes Matching Fund for Nepal Earthquake
Oxfam welcomes the Government of Canada’s Matching Fund program for the Nepal earthquake. Julie Delahanty, Oxfam Canada's Executive Director, said: "This will double the power of donations from generous Canadians, and go even further in life-saving operations, ensuring the people of Nepal are able to recover as quickly as possible from this terrible crisis." As…
Read MoreOxfam is delivering aid following Saturday’s devastating earthquake.
Oxfam is now delivering clean water and sanitation supplies that will reach at least 350,000 people. Tens of thousands of people are currently living in makeshift shelters in 16 government camp locations, too scared to return to their homes for fear of the aftershocks. Cecilia Keizer, Oxfam country director in Nepal said: "We are still…
Read MoreEarthquake in Nepal – April 25, 2015: Please donate
On April 25th at 11:47am local time, an estimated 7.9 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, near the capital, Kathmandu. Oxfam's team in Nepal is assessing humanitarian need following the devastating earthquake. In addition, a team of technical experts are on the ground with supplies to provide clean water, sanitation and emergency food supplies. Cecilia Keizer, Oxfam…
Read MoreOxfam Canada reaction to Budget 2015: Wrong choices
“Budgets are about choices. And this Budget is built for those who already have plenty of choices. For Oxfam, the right choices are about investing in women’s rights and reducing inequality at home and abroad,” said Caroline Marrs – Director of Oxfam Canada’s Centre for Gender Justice. Canadian implications 85% of Canadian families see no…
Read MoreMore than 100,000 Yemenis have fled their homes
Oxfam calls on the World not to forget the humanitarian plight of millions. As the conflict in Yemen enters its third week, Oxfam warns that the international community should push for an immediate ceasefire and allow aid into the country. Already there are over 121,000 displaced people in Yemen as a direct consequence of the…
Read MoreCanada foreign aid budget at record low, spends less than 2% on gender equality and women’s rights
Canada’s spending on aid is now at a record low. Canada continues to spend less than 2% of its aid budget on programs that are specifically designed to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, far below the OECD donor average.
Read MoreBillions in “out of control” IFC investments into third-parties causing human rights abuses around the world
The International Finance Corporation has little accountability for billions of dollars’ worth of investments into banks, hedge funds and other financial intermediaries, resulting in projects that are causing human rights abuses around the world. The claim is part of a new report by Oxfam International and other NGOs, released a week before the World Bank Spring…
Read MoreOxfam’s reaction to humanitarian pledging conference for Syria
Andy Baker who leads Oxfam’s response to the Syria crisis said: “While some donors have been generous in Kuwait, the total aid pledged is less than half the amount needed this year to help people in desperate humanitarian need." "Unless more donor countries massively step up in the wake of the conference, the increasing numbers…
Read MoreInternational appeals for Syria crisis less than 10% funded
Aid agencies estimate that $8.7 billion is needed in 2015 to support 18 million people in Syria and neighbouring countries, the equivalent of approximately one US dollar per person per day. Based on the scale of wealthy country economies, Oxfam has determined an equitable share for each donor state. So far, for 2015, only the…
Read MoreEbola one year on – Hearts and homes were key to breakthrough
The over emphasis on an almost exclusive medical approach at the start of the Ebola crisis hampered progress against the disease, according to Oxfam. The international agency said governments and aid agencies, including Oxfam, got the balance wrong in the early stages of the Ebola response and should have devoted more effort to community engagement…
Read MoreOxfam comment on the Alternative Federal Budget released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Commenting on the Alternative Federal Budget released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), Oxfam Canada Senior Policy Advisor Lauren Ravon said: “The CCPA budget provides a rich and achievable menu of options that would improve the lives of Canadians. Increased revenue would provide much needed investment for public services and programs at…
Read MoreAssessment teams reach Tanna and Erromango islands in Vanuatu
Two rapid assessment teams have arrived in the two small southern Vanuatu islands hit hardest by Cyclone Pam to rapidly assess exactly what survivors of the disaster need. Oxfam Country Director in Port Vila, Colin Collett van Rooyen, said one team was now in Tanna and another team was in Erromango with both due back…
Read MoreScale of humanitarian crisis in Vanuatu becoming clearer
More Oxfam Humanitarian Emergency responders are flying to Vanuatu this morning on an Australian Government plane, as the unconfirmed death toll in the small archipelago begins to climb and worse than worst case scenario unfolds. Oxfam Country Director in Port Vila, Colin Collet van Rooyen, said the situation in Vanuatu was increasingly grim. “There are…
Read MoreStories of devastation from Vanuatu in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam
Oxfam staff on the ground in Port Vila have reported complete destruction of homes, three storey high trees completely uprooted and small communities with barely any houses left standing. Oxfam’s Vanuatu Country Director Colin Collett van Rooyen said people in Vanuatu had told him they had never seen a cyclone like this and they were…
Read MoreAid agencies give UN Security Council a ‘failing grade’ on Syria
Three of Canada’s largest humanitarian aid agencies, Oxfam, Save the Children and World Vision, today released a scathing critique of how the United Nations Security Council has failed to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Syria amid intensifying conflict four years after the start of the crisis. Despite three Security Council resolutions adopted in 2014…
Read MoreOxfam Canada statement on inequality report released by the Parliamentary Budget Officer
Commenting on today’s report on inequality released by the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Kelly Bowden, Oxfam Canada's Inequality Campaign Coordinator, said: “Today’s report on the impact of growing income inequality on Canada’s fiscal policy framework is another in a steady stream of studies and statistics that paint a picture of growing inequality around the world. As Oxfam’s…
Read MoreWe need to talk about violence against women, Canada
By Julie DelahantyThis op-ed was originally published on i-politics, March 5, 2015 Canadians are finally talking about violence against women. The Jian Ghomeshi scandal jolted us into a national conversation about sexism, consent and double standards, which only deepened with allegations of sexual harassment on Parliament Hill. And then it all went viral with #rapedneverreported,…
Read MoreExecutive Director Julie Delahanty’s Statement on International Women’s Day
Statement by Julie Delahanty, Executive Director, Oxfam CanadaInternational Women's Day 2015 As we mark International Women’s Day on March 8, there is much to be celebrated and a great deal of work yet to be done to ensure women’s rights are respected in Canada and around the world. For the first time in a long time,…
Read MoreWomen’s rights in Canada and around the world
Women's rights in Canada and around the world "Left unchecked, extreme inequality will reverse progress in the fight against poverty and deepen gender discrimination," says Julie Delahanty, Oxfam Canada's Executive Director. Oxfam Canada and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives are holding a public forum on women's rights and inequality on March 4th in Vancouver.…
Read MoreOxfam calls for post-Ebola Marshall Plan
A multi-million dollar post-Ebola “Marshall Plan” is needed to put the three West Africa countries hit by the crisis back on their feet. The world cannot dither on a recovery plan as it did on the Ebola response. Key to the success of any recovery package will be addressing three areas of acute need: immediate cash to millions of families affected by the crisis; investment in jobs; and budget support for essential services such as health, education, water and sanitation.
Read MoreYemen is on the brink of humanitarian disaster with millions of lives at risk
More than half of Yemen’s population needs aid and a humanitarian crisis of extreme proportions is at risk of unfolding in the country if instability continues, Oxfam warns today. Throughout the country there are 16 million people in need of aid, meaning one in three people needing help in the entire Middle East is Yemeni. Ten million Yemenis do not have enough to eat, including 850,000 acutely malnourished children. Millions have no clean water and are unable to access basic healthcare services.
Read MoreWatch Julie Delahanty on CTV’s Power Play
Watch Julie Delahanty on the challenges and solutions to extreme poverty and inequality
Read MoreRichest 1% will own more than the rest of the world by 2016
The explosion in inequality is holding back the fight against global poverty according to a new Oxfam report, Wealth: Having it all and wanting more, the combined wealth of the richest 1 per cent will overtake that of the other 99 per cent of humanity next year unless the current trend of rising inequality is checked. The report was released today ahead of the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.
Read MorePart of the inequality problem
"The impact of economic inequality on other inequalities, particularly between men and women, is profound. If the status quo were to continue unabated, it would take 75 years before the world’s women are paid the same as men. In Canada, women continue to make 20 per cent less than their male counterparts for the same work." Part of the inequality problem was originally published in Embassy News on January 14, 2015 embassynews.ca
Read MoreHaiti Earthquake – 5 years on reconstruction and challenges remain
Five years ago on 12 January, a powerful earthquake struck Haiti. Thanks to the incredible outpouring of support from the public and governments around the word, Oxfam helped more than half a million survivors with support that included clean water and sanitation services, shelter, and income-generating opportunities.
Read MoreGrowing Global Concern over Poverty and Homelessness
A GlobeScan poll, released today, shows increases in perceived seriousness of poverty and homelessness. The GlobeScan poll of 24,000 citizens across 24 countries, including Canada, shows the abiding strength of people’s concerns about poverty and their perceptions of economic unfairness.
Read MoreArms Trade Treaty enters into force, Canada yet to sign
Arms Trade Treaty enters into force offering fresh hope for the protection of civilians in 2015 – Unfortunately, Canada has yet to sign. Campaigners hailed a “huge victory” as after more than a decade of campaigning, the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) today becomes international law at last. Oxfam has worked with the Control Arms coalition to make this treaty a reality. Unfortunately, Canada has yet to sign or ratify even though Canada voted in favour of the treaty in April last year.
Read MoreTen years On – The Indian Ocean Tsunami Response
Ten years on, the Indian Ocean Tsunami response reveals how people in crises can be helped by timely funding, says Oxfam The unprecedented generosity to help people hit by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 saved lives and gave affected people the means to make a genuine long-term recovery, says international aid agency Oxfam. A…
Read MoreOxfam Canada statement on new Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act
Oxfam Canada welcomes the passing of the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act. The Act requires oil, mining and gas companies to report annually on taxes, royalties and payment made to governments. Oxfam now calls on the government to ensure that any resulting regulations or administrative documents only add to the transparency requirements of the sector.
Read MoreOxfam Canada welcomes restored Cuba-US diplomatic relations
Oxfam Canada welcomes today’s announcement restoring diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States. The resilience of Cuba’s citizens and Cuba’s commitment to an economic path that prioritizes poverty reduction has been a notable achievement under extremely challenging conditions.
Read MoreRough seas ahead for climate talks
Rough seas ahead for climate talks, Paris deal still on the horizon Lima, Peru – Another year of increasingly extreme and destructive weather and new political momentum were not yet enough to boost the ambition of UN climate talks in Peru. The decisions made in Lima do not foreclose the possibility an agreement in Paris, but…
Read MoreSouth Sudan: Millions at risk from hunger as conflict threatens to escalate
South Sudan: Millions at risk from hunger as conflict threatens to escalate. A year after the fighting started in South Sudan the country remains in a severe food crisis with up to 2.5 million people estimated to be at risk of hunger if the conflict continues, Oxfam warns. Since the fighting started on 15 December 2013, 1.9 million people have been forced to leave their homes, including 479,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries.
Read MoreOxfam assesses immediate needs of tropical storm Hagupit
Oxfam rapid assessment teams have been deployed to survey the immediate needs of evacuees forced to flee tropical storm Hagupit, to ensure those who have lost their homes don’t lose their health as well.
Read MoreTyphoon Hagupit – Oxfam ready with emergency assistance
Typhoon Hagupit: Oxfam is ready with emergency assistance. We have seen in this crisis that disaster preparednesss saves lives. Oxfam is on the ground. Its rapid assessment teams, comprised of experts in livelihoods, water and sanitation, protection and gender, are ready to be deployed in affected areas. Oxfam Canada has pledged funds to support humanitarian work in the wake of Typhoon Hagupit.
Read MoreSyria refugee resettlement
Humanitarian and human rights agencies urge governments to resettle 5% refugees from Syria by end 2015 Over 30 international organizations are calling on governments meeting in Geneva tomorrow to commit to offer sanctuary to at least 5 per cent of the most vulnerable refugees from Syria currently in neighbouring countries – 180,000 people – by…
Read MoreEbola: Mass quarantines in Sierra Leone causing unnecessary hardship
Sierra Leone: Mass quarantines causing unnecessary hardship and risk further spread of Ebola warns Oxfam Efforts to contain the spread of Ebola through poorly implemented mass quarantine of communities in Sierra Leone are causing unnecessary hardship and are at risk of further spreading the deadly disease warned international agency Oxfam today. New quarantines being announced this…
Read MoreClimate finance action plan can set table for Paris deal
Climate finance action plan can set table for Paris deal, says Oxfam Lima, Peru – All countries must use the COP 20 Summit in Lima to resolve the impasse over “climate finance,” and make success possible at the critical Paris talks in December 2015, says Oxfam. In a new report, Breaking the Standoff, Oxfam details…
Read MorePledges to Green Climate Fund reach bare minimum
Oxfam Canada welcomes the Government of Canada's announced contribution of $300 million to the Green Climate Fund. These funds are essential to help people who are poor and marginalized adapt to the havoc wreacked by climate chaos that threatens to further erode food security and increase inequality.
Read MoreVerdict on the G20 summit
Oxfam verdict on the G20 summit The G20’s promise to pursue inclusive and sustainable growth is welcome, but its response to the Ebola crisis is dangerously inadequate. Inequality and inclusive growth Oxfam International’s Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said: “Extreme inequality is growing globally, including within G20 countries. “With the global consensus that inequality is bad for…
Read MoreG20 must turn the tide on rising inequality: Oxfam
G20 must turn the tide on rising inequality: Oxfam November 12, 2014—G20 leaders meeting in Brisbane, Australia this weekend (15 and 16 November) are being urged to tackle rising inequality head-on or risk leaving millions of people trapped in poverty, as new figures reveal the wealth disparity in a number of G20 countries. Oxfam’s report…
Read MoreLearning from Typhoon Haiyan
Learning from Typhoon Haiyan:Asian governments failing to respond to climate change – Oxfam November 7, 2014 – Many countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, Viet Nam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, should invest more in their governments’ capacity to protect their citizens given the region's vulnerability to climate change. A year after super-typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines,…
Read MoreOxfam Unwrapped
Oxfam and Canadian Celebrities Unwrap Ways to Give Life Changing Gifts this Holiday Season Toronto — Oxfam Canada today announced a partnership with six Canadian celebrities to promote an exciting roster of items in its 2014 online holiday alternative gift catalog: Oxfam Unwrapped. Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Ron Sexsmith (singer/song writer), Laurie Brown (CBC), Adam Growe…
Read MoreWomen ask Federal Leaders “Are you Up for Debate?”
Women ask Federal Leaders “Are you Up for Debate?”Organizations across Canada ask federal party leaders to commit to a debate on women in the upcoming election Ottawa — An alliance of 100 organizations from across the country has called for a federal election debate focused on women in 2015. Speaking at a morning press conference…
Read MoreNumber of billionaires doubles since financial crisis as inequality spirals out of control
Number of billionaires doubles since financial crisis as inequality spirals out of control Rising inequality could set the fight against poverty back by decades(1), Oxfam warned today as it published a new report showing that the gap between rich and the poor is undermining poverty eradication efforts. Extreme inequality is bad for democracy, security, women,…
Read MoreMore military, more medics and more money needed to prevent definitive humanitarian disaster of our generation
In a battle against the clock, with less than two months left in the window to curb the spread of the virus ravaging Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, there is still a crippling shortfall in military staff to provide the logistical support that is desperately needed. This includes building treatment centres, providing flights and both…
Read MoreMore needs to be done to stop the spread of Ebola
For immediate release More needs to be done to stop the spread of Ebola Oxfam is warning that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa will not be contained unless more is done to prevent new infections. The UN is planning to tackle the illness by treating people already infected with the disease, tracing their contacts…
Read MoreOxfam in BC commemorates World Food Day with a Pailwalker
DescriptionJoin the Oxfam BC team and commemorate World Food day with a Pailwalker. A Pailwalker is a walk in solidarity with the countless women and girls worldwide who walk a minimum of 6km a day to get water. WHEN : Saturday, October 18th at noon until we finish our 6km walk WHERE : Gathering point in front…
Read MoreOxfam congratulates education champions Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai on Nobel Peace Prize
The Global Campaign for Education (GCE) co-founder Kailash Satyarthi and girls' education champion Malala Yousafzai have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. "Oxfam offers its heartfelt congratulations to Malala and Kailash for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Their fearless and tireless campaigning for education is legendary. Education is the most powerful weapon to fight growing…
Read MoreOxfam Canada statement on the Iraq Crisis
Background Since January, conflict and human rights abuses in Iraq have displaced around 1.8 million Iraqis, according to the UN. With a major offensive launched by the group known as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in June, local civilians have faced violence, abductions, mass executions and persecution of ethnic and religious minorities.…
Read MoreOxfam is tripling its aid in Ebola hit countries as the disease spirals out of control
International agency Oxfam is planning to triple its Ebola prevention programme in Sierra Leone Oxfam will be significantly stepping up its water and sanitation supply to Ebola treatment centers and community care centers, supply of hygiene materials and boosting its mass public information campaign. Oxfam has already helped over half a million people by providing water…
Read MoreSouth Sudan: From Crisis to Catastrophe
OTTAWA/MISSISSAUGA, ON (October 6, 2014) – A group of leading aid agencies warned today that parts of South Sudan, which are already facing a severe food crisis, could fall into famine early next year if the conflict between warring factions escalates. The agencies, which include CARE, Oxfam and World Vision, fear that efforts this…
Read MoreArms Trade Treaty set to enter into force before end of year as number of ratifications tops 50
Argentina, St Lucia, Portugal, Senegal, and Uruguay are amongst latest states to announce ratification – triggering 90-day countdown Fifty states are required to ratify the treaty before the 90-day countdown to entry into force could begin. Today, seven states including, Argentina, The Bahamas, The Czech Republic, St Lucia, Portugal, Senegal, and Uruguay will ratify at…
Read MoreUN Climate Summit: Countries must do more to commit to Green Climate Fund
Today, more than 120 world leaders, corporate leaders and representatives from civil society met in New York for the UN Climate Summit. Created as a platform for international and national commitments to tackle climate change, the collection of announcements offered a limited approach to addressing the urgent threat of climate change. In response to this…
Read MoreHumanitarian Coalition Launches Joint Appeal for Ebola Outbreak
(Ottawa) Today, the Humanitarian Coalition launches a national joint appeal to raise funds for public health and disease prevention efforts in West Africa. This latest outbreak of the Ebola virus has so far infected more than five thousand people, with confirmed cases resulting in more than 2,500 deaths. Centred in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea,…
Read MoreClimate-related disasters have cost half a trillion dollars since world leaders last met to discuss climate change
Ban Ki-moon Climate Summit at risk of failing to help stop climate change making people hungry (New York, Sept 19): The cost of weather-related disasters in the five years since global leaders last met to discuss climate change is almost half a trillion dollars ($490 billion) – three times more than for the whole of…
Read MoreFAO Hunger Report 2014: Global hunger falls, 805 million people still hungry
“Oxfam welcomes any fall in the number of hungry people. This is proof that we can make great strides in eradicating global hunger. But in a world of plenty, 805 million hungry people is still 805 million too many,” said Oxfam spokesperson Luca Chinotti. “Global hunger is still unacceptably high.” “The fight to end global…
Read MoreTax systems in Latin America and the Caribbean work for the benefit of the elites
While OECD countries reduce inequality by more than 35% through taxation and social spending, in Latin America and the Caribbean this reduction is less than 10%. The global development organization Oxfam calls on the governments of the region to take appropriate measures to maximise the redistributive impact of the tax system and increase social investment.…
Read MoreWorld Bank Group’s billion dollar private sector health initiative in Africa is failing to reach the poor
A billion-dollar flagship scheme to support private sector-led health care in Africa is bypassing poor people and concentrating instead on high-end urban hospitals catering mainly for the rich. Oxfam says that the “Health in Africa” initiative, run by the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) – the private sector arm of the World Bank Group – is…
Read MoreInternational response to Syria failing on ‘every front’
The international response to Syria is failing on three fronts – insufficient aid, meagre resettlement offers and continued arms transfers – Oxfam warns in a report published today. Oxfam is calling on the UN to impose an arms embargo on all warring parties in Syria and is urging governments of rich countries to provide their…
Read MoreOxfam Canada names new Executive Director
Ottawa – Today, Oxfam Canada announced the appointment of Julie Delahanty as its new Executive Director, effective October 1st, 2014. “We’re excited to announce Julie’s appointment,” said Margaret Hancock, Chair of the Oxfam Canada Board. “She brings great knowledge and leadership in gender equality and human rights, and more than 20 years experience in…
Read MoreLarge-scale partnerships with the private sector could undermine Africans’ land rights, drive inequality and damage the environment
(Addis Ababa) Government policies and almost US$6 billion in aid money to support large partnerships with the private sector are risking Africans’ land rights, worsening inequality and damaging the environment. According to Oxfam’s latest report, Moral Hazard? Mega public-private partnerships in African agriculture, so-called ‘mega’ public-private partnerships are unproven, risky and represent a dubious use…
Read MoreOxfam calls on Western governments to offer haven as number of registered Syrian refugees reaches 3 million
Western and other rich countries should step up their efforts to resettle Syrian refugees, Oxfam said today after the number registered with UNHCR reached three million.[1] Urgent action is necessary in order to respond to a growing regional crisis caused by increasing displacement, insufficient aid and over-burdened infrastructure in neighboring countries, Oxfam added. Approximately 5,000…
Read MoreOxfam Reaction to Provincial Support of Payment Transparency for the Extractives Sector
Oxfam welcomes the statement of support by Canada’s provincial energy and mines ministers for federal legislation to enhance the transparency of payments in the mining, oil and gas sectors. The statement marked the end of the 2014 Energy and Mines Ministers Conference in Sudbury, Ontario and is a clear indication of the growing support for…
Read MoreGaza humanitarian crisis will repeat unless restrictions are lifted
Israeli and Palestinian leaders must seize the opportunity of the new ceasefire to end the violence once and for all. Lasting peace for all civilians will only be possible if Israel permanently lifts its restrictions on Gaza’s economy and people, Oxfam said in a new report today. “Recent history must warn everyone that this ceasefire…
Read MoreWorld must suspend arms sales to protect civilians as Gaza violence escalates again
After ceasefire talks collapsed and violence erupted yet again, Oxfam today called on all states to immediately suspend transfers of arms or ammunition to Israel and any Palestinian armed group while there is serious risk that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law. The agency said the widespread killing of civilians and destruction…
Read MoreYouth leaders from campuses across Canada in Ottawa for Oxfam Summit
Ottawa – Oxfam Canada’s National CHANGE Summit – an annual opportunity for youth leaders and campus members to come together – will be taking place in Ottawa from August 21-24. The Summit gives delegates the chance to learn about women’s rights, international development and develop skills to take informed action on their campuses and in…
Read MoreKellogg issues climate change wake-up call
Oxfam welcomes Kellogg’s climate action commitments following public pressure Kellogg today became the second global food giant to say it will take industry-leading steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions in its agricultural supply chains in line with climate science. This is in response to actions by more than 238,000 supporters of Oxfam’s Behind the Brands campaign.…
Read MoreOxfam gears up its aid effort to help people affected by fighting in Iraq
Oxfam's Iraq Country Representative Wael Ibrahim said : "The situation is deteriorating day by day and our priority is to get to as many people as quickly as possible, families have been completely traumatised by the situation and are constantly on the move looking for safety. Our priority is to be ready to assist them…
Read MoreSouth Sudan sixty days promise set to be broken as peace talks falter again
Sixty days ago, both parties to the conflict made a promise to their people that they would bring an end to the fighting and agreed to establish a transitional government of national unity during Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-brokered mediation talks. But on the eve of the date set to deliver this promise, talks faltered…
Read MoreAid agencies condemn attacks on aid workers in South Sudan
A group of seven major humanitarian aid organizations condemns the recent killings and attacks on South Sudanese aid workers in Maban County in the Upper Nile State of South Sudan. We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately stop the targeting of aid workers, to respect international humanitarian law and to allow humanitarian…
Read MoreOxfam welcomes General Mills’ commitments to act on climate change following tremendous public pressure
General Mills takes bold stand for climate action Oxfam welcomes General Mills’ commitments to act following tremendous public pressure Oxfam welcomed today’s commitment from General Mills to implement industry-leading measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its supply chains and press for political action to address climate change. The announcement comes after more than 230,000…
Read MoreStatement from Anthony Scoggins, Director of International Programs
Statement from Anthony Scoggins, Director of International Programs for Oxfam Canada: Oxfam Canada is in the news today – on the radio, television and even trending on social media channels. This flurry of public and media interest has flowed from a request from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) for Oxfam to modify our "purpose as a charity" on papers filed…
Read MorePeople in Gaza trapped with nowhere safe to escape. Oxfam delivers water to families sheltering from the violence
People in Gaza trapped with nowhere safe to escape. Oxfam delivers water to families sheltering from the violence Oxfam condemns violence against civilians by all sides, including Israeli military actions and Palestinian rocket fire. We urge the international community to do much more to push for a lasting ceasefire that ends the blockade and addresses the…
Read MoreThe new BRICS Bank should offer a new vision for development, not more of the same
Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – better known as the BRICS – have finalized their 6th summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, consolidating the creation of a new development bank that will provide fresh sources of financing for emerging economies. According to world-wide development organization Oxfam, even though additional development financing is welcome,…
Read MoreAs another typhoon hits Philippines Oxfam warns there are not enough evacuation centres to keep people safe
Tacloban City, Leyte – International agency Oxfam said today as another typhoon hits the Philippines there are insufficient evacuation centres available to keep people safe. “This typhoon is powerful but not the same strength as last year’s super typhoon. With people still living in vulnerable areas and makeshift shelters there is an urgency to help…
Read More75 years is too long to wait for equal pay: Oxfam urges G20 to act on gender gap
Women won’t be paid as much as men for another 75 years. That’s according to a report released by Oxfam today, which urges G20 leaders to tackle gender inequality when they meet in Australia later this year. The report, G20 and gender equality – How the G20 can advance women’s rights in employment, social protection and…
Read MoreAid effort to avert South Sudan famine in jeopardy
“We will be staring into the abyss and fail to avert a famine if funds do not start arriving soon.” Cecilia Millan Oxfam’s Country Director in South Sudan Aid agencies face closure of projects as money fails to arrive A group of seven major international aid agencies said they face a shortfall of $89 million…
Read MoreSouth Sudan: Oxfam warns the humanitarian crisis is spiralling out of control as funds dry up
On the 3rd anniversary of South Sudan’s independence, Oxfam has warned that appeals to fund the aid effort are failing as the country’s humanitarian crisis is spiralling out of control with malnutrition and sickness rising and an ever increasing number of people forced to flee their homes. South Sudan is currently Africa’s worst crisis with…
Read MoreOxfam Reaction to IMF Report on Global Taxation
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today publishes a major new report on global corporate taxation Spillovers in international corporate taxation. In it, the IMF lists all the ways that big businesses are able to dodge taxes today over the world and admits this is causing “significant public disquiet”. It recognises that developing countries are being…
Read MoreOxfam presents “Break Another Silence” – Voices and Victories from LGBTI2S Movements Worldwide
On June 24th in Toronto’s George Ignatieff Theater, leaders from four continents will join Oxfam for a powerful speakers panel, profiling victories in the fight for LGBTI and Two-Spirit (2S) rights worldwide. The event, hosted by Oxfam Canada, will feature LGBTI2S rights activists from Canada and around the world, including: Mariela Castro Espín and Manuel Vásquez…
Read MoreOxfam applauds CEOs of eight of the big 10 food and beverage companies for bold call for climate action
Today, Oxfam praised the CEOs of eight of the ten biggest food and beverage companies in the world for joining together with the heads of some 400 major companies to call on world leaders, “to act with determination, leadership and ambition to secure an ambitious and legally binding global climate deal.” In response to this…
Read MoreEliminating inequality and the threat of climate change key to new UN development goals
Overcoming inequality and slowing global warming are imperative for achieving a world free from poverty and suffering, says an Oxfam report released today. “Making it Happen: Oxfam’s proposals for the Post-2015 Framework” comes ahead of the UN’s Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (OWG) meeting in September. As the era of the Millennium Development…
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