02 July 2005

The Make Poverty History rally

"This event is a wake-up call to the G8. We can no longer afford to keep quiet. The protestors here today are united with millions of others around the world fighting poverty and injustice. It is time for the G8 to stop making poverty and take concrete action to fight it."

John Samuel, ActionAid's Asia regional director (who is speaking at the rally).  

Live8

"Twenty years ago the Live Aid concerts brought the reality of poverty to the world. It was probably the first time that people in Europe and America saw the impact of poverty on millions of African men, women and children.

"Today Africa remains poor but its people are now speaking up for themselves and demanding change. I choose to be optimistic that Live8 will provide a new generation of people who will campaign to end poverty."

Amanda Sarumaga, country director at ActionAid Uganda. 

What we want the G8 to deliver

"From Edinburgh to Johannesburg millions of people around the world are watching the G8. There is great expectation that they will deliver a breakthrough in the fight against global poverty.

"The G8 must deliver now. The four and a half million people in sub-Saharan Africa who need life-saving Aids drugs cannot wait any longer."

Richard Miller, director of ActionAid UK.