Sometimes the problems of the world seem too huge. It can be overwhelming to think about all of the need out there. You feel a tug to "do something" but where do you start?
If all you have is five minutes to sign a petition right now, or a few hours a month to devote to a cause, then do it. Your participation does make a difference.
Here are four global issues that need your voice.
1. HIV and AIDS
About 2.3 million children are living with HIV and two million of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 530,000 children newly infected with HIV in 2006, 50 per cent will die before their second birthday if they do not receive treatment.
The Canadian government has promised to work toward universal access to prevention, care and treatment by 2010. It has also promised to ensure that all children left orphaned or vulnerable by AIDS are given proper support.
World AIDS Day is December 1. Sign a petition and tell our Prime Minister that you want action on HIV and AIDS. Then, visit these other websites to learn more about this global pandemic and what else you can do.
Global AIDS Alliance
(PRODUCT) RED
UNAIDS
World AIDS Campaign
2. Global Poverty
There are currently 600 million children living in absolute poverty, and more than 26,000 die each day due to poverty or preventable causes. Yet every day, $100 million dollars is paid in debt relief from the world's poorest nations—money that could be spent on food, health care and education.
October 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day when millions of people around the world will "Stand Up and Speak Out," calling on political leaders to make poverty history. Click here to learn more about the campaign. Then, check out these other links for action on global poverty.
Global Call to Action Against Poverty
Micah Challenge
3. Landmines
A landmine is a small explosive that's planted in the ground in order to maim or kill whoever steps on or near it. Used in war to establish enemy lines, landmines remain long after the war is over, killing innocent civilians—often children at play. More than 70 countries continue to be affected by landmines. In 2005, as many as 20,000 people were killed or injured by them.
World Vision is a part of Mines Action Canada, a coalition that advocates against the use of landmines. Click here to find out what you can do about this issue. Then, visit these websites to learn more.
International Campaign to Ban Landmines
StopLandmines.org
4. Child Labour
About 218 million children participate in child labour, and more than half work in jobs that are detrimental to their health, safety and dignity. Some are as young as five. These "jobs" include slavery, prostitution, compulsory recruitment into armed forces, mining and quarrying.
June 12 is World Day Against Child Labour. World Vision, along with other global organizations, seeks to eradicate the most dangerous and exploitative forms of child labour. To learn more about this issue and what you can do to help, you can visit the following sites.
Global March Against Child Labour
International Labour Organization
Maquila Solidarity Network
UNICEF
World Vision
