Action Alert: Debt Relief in Africa
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We are thrilled to inform you that thanks to actions taken by people like you on the Jubilee Act, we currently have 94 co-sponsors for the House bill (H.R.2634)! Citizens' actions also led to the introduction of a companion bill in the Senate (S.2166). Now we need your help getting more Senate co-sponsors and a hearing in the Senate -- a key step towards making the bill law!
The Senate version of the Jubilee Act (S.2166) promises debt cancellation for many countries in Africa and reform of inefficient lending practices by international financial institutions, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank.
Stemming the flow of an estimated $15 billion annually out of Africa to pay foreign debts will mean countries have more funds and resources for domestic use. Countries benefiting from previous cancellation efforts have increased poverty alleviation efforts including:
- Removal of primary school fees leading to greater access to education,
- Increased access to life-saving drugs, including HIV/AIDS anti-retrovirals,
- Elimination of health care fees and support of agricultural projects.
Please ask your Senator to co-sponsor S.2166. Increasing bi-partisan Senate co-sponsorship will support the House bill and send a strong message that debt cancellation remains a concern for many people in this country.
Take action today! Learn more from the "Life Over Debt" campaign, 215/241-7168; africa@afsc.org; www.afsc.org/lifeoverdebt.
