Canadian aid agencies call for a “New Deal” for Syria’s refugees
The international community must agree to a bold new deal for Syria’s refugees if it is serious about tackling the largest humanitarian crisis since World War II, seven aid agencies warned today in a new report. With no end to the conflict in sight and no prospect of safe return home, the new deal must…
Read MoreOxfam welcomes new ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Development and the Francophonie, and International Trade
Le message en français suit. “Oxfam welcomes Hon. Stéphane Dion, Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau and Hon. Chrystia Freeland as the new Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Development and the Francophonie, and International Trade. We look forward to working with them and their teams to end extreme poverty and inequality of all kinds,” says Julie Delahanty, Executive…
Read MoreNaomi Klein among celebrities joining #eyesonParis climate campaign for Oxfam
Climate activist and best-selling Canadian author Naomi Klein is among those who have shared an eyes-only selfie on social media to tell world leaders they have their #eyesonParis for action on climate change. Klein said: “In Paris, we need leaders with the courage to steer us off the path of increased warming and poverty and…
Read MoreCyclone Chapala hits war-torn Yemen
As Cyclone Chapala hits war-torn Yemen, Oxfam Country Director in the country, Sajjad Mohamed Sajid said: "It's a humanitarian disaster on top of another. In a year of the Super El Niño, a rare cyclone has left conflict ravaged Yemen facing a double disaster as Cyclone Chapala promises a decade's worth of rain in Yemen…
Read MoreOxfam comments on Canada’s plan to welcome 25,000 refugees by year end
In response to the Government of Canada’s plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees by year end, Oxfam Canada’s Humanitarian Manager, Ann Witteveen, said: “Canada is a prosperous country, with a strong tradition of welcoming asylum seekers. In its report Fair Share: Solidarity with Syrians, Oxfam found that Canada had been generous compared to…
Read MoreOxfam teams present in South Asia, ready to respond to powerful earthquake
A strong earthquake in northern Afghanistan shook buildings from Kabul to Delhi today, cutting power and communications in some areas and causing a steadily rising number of deaths, mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Oxfam teams are present in all the affected south Asian countries. They are gathering all possible information as of this minute. Oxfam’s…
Read MoreExtreme hunger risk in South Sudan as fighting blocks food aid: REPORT
Juba, South Sudan – In response to the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC), or food security analysis for South Sudan, Oxfam South Sudan Country Director, Zlatko Gegic said: “Almost four million people in South Sudan are severely hungry – nearly twice as many compared to this time last year, a clear testament to the devastation…
Read MoreFighting gender inequality essential to curbing growing wealth gap, IMF report shows
Oxfam applauds today’s report by the International Monetary Fund, which argues that tackling gender inequality is not only an objective in itself, it's a key part of reducing the huge wealth gap between the rich and the poor. Julie Delahanty, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, said: “Today’s IMF report shows that working toward women’s economic…
Read MoreOxfam Canada Welcomes the Newly Elected Government
Oxfam Canada welcomes the new government’s commitment to restoring Canada’s role in the world. We are in a pivotal moment for Canada to show leadership in creating a more sustainable and equitable world. The new Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for addressing gender inequality and poverty, at home and abroad, and world leaders will have…
Read MoreOpen Letter to Permanent Representatives to the UN on Women, Peace and Security
The United Nations’ Open Debate and High Level Review on Women, Peace and Security is just around the corner. Oxfam and other civil society partners are calling for governments to make strong statements and commitments to advance sustainable peace. This can only be achieved by promoting and respecting women and girls’ human rights’ and meaningfully…
Read MoreUtterly inadequate international response for Syrians both in and outside borders, says new Oxfam report
The international community is proving utterly inadequate in helping Syrians both inside and outside their country. Oxfam’s damning verdict is in a new report today Solidarity with Syrians that analyses the “fair shares” of rich and powerful countries to provide money, resettlement places for refugees and leadership to end the bloodshed. The report coincides with…
Read MoreOxfam criticizes ‘toothless’ OECD Tax Package
Ottawa – The OECD’s Tax Package, released in Paris today, will not stop corporate tax dodgers cheating poor countries out of billions of dollars of tax revenues, says Oxfam. The Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan outlines 15 measures aimed at tackling aggressive tax avoidance by multinational companies. Brittany Lambert, Oxfam Canada’s Senior…
Read MoreOxfam applauds World Bank’s rejection of trickle-down economics, and recognition of the huge inequality challenge
Oxfam is encouraged by World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim’s rejection of trickle-down economics and his clear stance on the enormous challenge inequality poses across the world. Jim Kim’s speech at the US Institute of Peace today comes just as Oxfam is warning of 200 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean being…
Read MoreInequality trapping hundreds of millions in extreme poverty
More than 200 million people will be trapped unnecessarily in extreme poverty – despite world leaders’ pledge to end it – unless action to tackle economic inequality is accelerated, according to an Oxfam paper published today. World leaders will promise to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030 at a UN summit later this week. While applauding…
Read MoreWomen’s Issues Finally Get The Attention They Deserve
Toronto – Women’s issues finally took the forefront in the federal election thanks to a partnership between the Up For Debate campaign, Twitter Canada, Toronto Star and Le Devoir. This national conversation on women’s issues was broadcasted live from Toronto’s Isabel Bader theatre on Monday, Sept 21. The free event featured a lineup of commentators…
Read MoreOxfam welcomes the Government of Canada’s Emergency Relief Fund for the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Oxfam welcomed the Government of Canada’s announcement of a $100 million matching fund program for the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Ann Witteveen, Humanitarian Manager for Oxfam Canada, said: “The tragic photo of drowned three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi has reminded us all that the situation in Syria continues to worsen, and that more must be done…
Read MoreFeministing Foreign Policy – A Global Conversation Comes to Ottawa
On September 15, 2015, three Nobel peace laureates joined Canadian women thought-leaders in Ottawa for an inspiring pre-federal election conversation on the potential for feminist ideas and approaches to transform foreign policy. This free event was organized by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, Oxfam Canada, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and the Up for…
Read MoreLong Road to Peace Begins in South Sudan
Juba, SOUTH SUDAN – The signing of the peace agreement by President Salva Kiir Mayardit is a positive step toward ending the brutal 20 month civil war but aid agencies CARE, IRC, Oxfam and World Vision say it is only the beginning of a long, hard journey towards peace and reconciliation. International and regional diplomatic…
Read MoreUp for Debate – Plan B
The Up for Debate campaign announced today that it has confirmation from four major parties to explore an alternative debate format to put women at the centre of Canada’s federal election campaign. It is still hoping for confirmation from the fifth. Ann Decter, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the YWCA an Up For Debate…
Read MoreNGOs call on World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) to empower women
The World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) aims at major global reforms to better protect and assist people affected by crisis. The undersigned organisations call on the WHS to put women’s leadership, gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV) at the heart of these reforms. Research and experience have demonstrated how the failure to address the gendered impacts…
Read MoreCivilians need peace urgently as talks face further delay
Juba, SOUTH SUDAN – Delaying peace may have serious consequences for South Sudanese civilians who are enduring their 20th month of a brutal civil war, aid agencies Oxfam, CARE and IRC warned today. The people of South Sudan need and deserve an immediate cessation of hostilities and lasting peace for any hope of sustainable development…
Read MoreFederal Party Leaders Not Up For Debating Gender Equality
Federal Party Leaders Not Up For Debating Gender Equality One week into Canada’s federal election campaign, party leaders have failed to put women’s rights and gender equality issues up for debate. The Up for Debate campaign, led by a broad coalition of 175 organizations, has collected over 50,000 signatures from people across Canada calling for a nationally…
Read MoreOxfam Canada hosts activists from across the country
In fact, that’s almost exactly what we call it: Change Leadership Summit! As in all of our organizational work, the week’s activities will be based on a strong gender analysis that sees championing women’s rights as essential to overcoming the injustice of poverty and inequality. Oxfam Canada has long worked with volunteers across the country…
Read MoreLack of funding leads to World Food Program cuts for Syrian refugees – a dangerous development, says Oxfam
The World Food Programme has announced it is to significantly reduce food vouchers for refugees living outside of camps in Jordan in August, while maintaining the same levels of assistance for camp residents, due to a lack of funding. Over a third of registered refugees in Jordan will have their assistance reduced to about a…
Read MoreIn memory of Flora MacDonald
Oxfam Canada was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Flora MacDonald, a great friend and an inspiring example of women’s leadership in Canada. "After her electoral defeat in 1988, Flora looked for new opportunities to bring her energy, politics and profile to the global struggle for social justice," said Jim McKinnon, Oxfam’s program manager…
Read MoreCanadian women have questions, and challenge all party leaders to answer them.
Ottawa – The Up for Debate campaign has released a selection of questions that it has crowdsourced for potential use in its upcoming federal election debate, scheduled to take place in Toronto on September 21st. The campaign asked over 70,000 Canadians what they would like to hear from party leaders in a debate on women's issues…
Read MoreBlockade and violence in Yemen Escalates
Since the start of the conflict, nearly 25,000 additional people are going hungry each day in Yemen as the blockade and fighting restrict food, fuel and other vital supplies, Oxfam warned. One in two people – nearly 13 million people – are now struggling to find enough to eat, and half of them are on…
Read MoreOxfam Echoes UN Call for Canadian Leadership on Women’s Rights
Oxfam supports the UN’s call for greater Canadian leadership on women and girls rights. Canada was recently reviewed by the UN Human Rights Committee, which released a report July 23 highlighting improvements needed on gender equality, aboriginal rights, and freedom of expression, among other issues. The Director of Oxfam Canada’s Centre for Gender Justice, Caroline…
Read MoreRich countries provide a poor outcome at Addis Financing for Development Conference: Oxfam
Unresolved rigged tax rules and privatized development are the major drawbacks of the UN Financing for Development Conference outcome, says Oxfam. However, after such tense negotiations there can be no doubt that developing countries’ determination to call for true global tax reform and tax cooperation has been noted, and cannot go unheeded for long. Responding to…
Read MoreOxfam: Lack of fuel could soon cause more deaths than ongoing violence in Yemen
Lack of fuel in Yemen caused by the continuing conflict and restrictions of imports could ultimately be responsible for even more deaths than the fighting in the country, Oxfam warned today. Fuel shortages have hit water supplies, food deliveries and health services for the 84% of Yemenis in need of aid, the international agency said.…
Read MoreOxfam’s Senior Policy Advisor In response to the FFD announcement of the Global Financing Facility for Every Woman, Every Child
In response to the FFD announcement of the Global Financing Facility for Every Woman, Every Child, Claire Godfrey, Oxfam’s Senior Policy Advisor said: “Since women's and children's health cover a spectrum of services, we need the Global Financing Facility (GFF) to focus on building comprehensive and resilient public health systems across the developing world. From…
Read MoreOXFAM: Cholera cases multiply as cost of clean water skyrockets in South Sudan capital
JUBA, South Sudan – Cholera cases are rapidly increasing in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as the cost of clean water skyrockets amid a worsening economic crisis. 33 people have died in Juba alone including seven children under five, with 700 more people infected with the deadly and contagious disease. Zlatko Gegic, Country Director for Oxfam…
Read MoreCorporate stranglehold on development finance must end in Addis
The corporate grip on development finance must be loosened if the Finance for Development Conference is going to help mobilize the resources needed to overcome poverty. Oxfam issued this warning ahead of third Finance for Development Conference which is to be held in Addis, Ethiopia from 13 – 16 July. The Addis Conference is due…
Read MoreSouth Sudan faces unprecedented humanitarian crisis
Instead of celebrating its 4th anniversary, South Sudan is standing on an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. In the world’s youngest country almost 8 million people – two-thirds of the total population – are food insecure and as many as 3.8m going hungry. More than 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes because of…
Read More4 million Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries: UNHCR
The number of Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries has hit the 4 million mark, announced the UNHCR today. Oxfam says it is more than time for governments to step-up the relief effort. Andy Baker, who leads Oxfam’s response to the Syria crisis, said: “A ‘fate worse than death’ is how some of the four…
Read MoreCholera outbreak in South Sudan’s capital threatens to bring new waves of suffering
“This cholera outbreak is a wake-up call for the government and the aid world to redouble efforts to tackle a worsening cycle of misery,” said Zlatko Gegic, Oxfam’s country director in South Sudan. “Money is urgently needed to fund an immediate surge in action to tackle the disease.” When an outbreak of the highly contagious…
Read MorePolitical will is missing from development debate as UN reveals MDG benefits are uneven
The UN report provides an assessment of global and regional progress towards the MDGs. It shows that progress has been made in the global fight against absolute poverty in the set 15 years but the benefits have been uneven. The new Sustainable Development Goals which aim to eradicate poverty and protect the planet are due…
Read MoreMoving 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…
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