Annual review

WDM understands that every question is a political question and needs to be resolved by taking political action."
- George Monbiot, journalist

2010: Forty years of fighting for justice

At 40 years old in 2010, WDM is no less bold than it was in 1970, when thousands of people got together around the country to stand up to the injustices faced by the world’s most vulnerable people. Our message back then, of justice not charity, is more relevant today than ever before.

In 2010 we launched two new campaigns to fight global poverty, in the face of severe global economic and environmental crises. Our Stop Betting on Hunger campaign highlighted the dubious role of the finance sector in manufacturing the ever-rising food prices that have witnessed some of the poorest in the world paying up to 90 per cent of their income on basic food stuffs.

We also launched a new campaign on climate debt. In spite of much-applauded debt relief in the 1990s, many of those same countries now face the prospect of new loans through the undemocratic World Bank to tackle the ever-growing economic costs that come from a changing climate.

After 40 years, we know what works. Our tried and tested tactics of stunts, lobbying and mobilising through our local groups coupled with our innovative use of social media,which hit the mainstream in 2010, enabled more people, new to these issues, to take action.

WDM does not campaign on issues that are easy but instead, we focus on issues that will truly make a difference over the long term. And that’s what continues to make us unique. Fighting the finance sector is a tough challenge, but with our fearless supporters behind us, we will continue to do what’s right, no matter what opposition comes our way. 2010 certainly confirmed that the dedication and tenacity of the movement not only fuels our fire, but shows real outcomes too.

Deborah Doane, director of WDM