NEWS & EVENTS
AID/WATCH review of the Review : TRACKING THE AID REVIEW
AusAID has moved quickly to implement the ‘Australian Multilateral Assessment’, a process recommended by the Government’s Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness. This process is designed to assess multilateral institutions by ranking them against a...
AID/WATCH Fundraiser – People & Planet 2012 Diary & Wall Calendar Out Now
People & Planet is published by a partnership of 49 not-for-profit Australian social justice and environment organisations, and raises funds for the work of these organisations in promoting a just, sustainable world.Perfect for daily use, both the diary and...
People, not military objectives, should be the focus of aid to Afghanistan
Over the years, we've seen some tremendous progress. The number of children in school has increased from 1 million under the Taliban to 7 million today, a number unmatched in Afghanistan's history. The number of girls in school has increased from almost nothing to...
A new direction for international co-operation
One of the many revolutions taking place in the world of international aid and co-operation is the rebirth of a movement that challenges what is now generally described as the 'traditional' aid model. Instead of a vertical donor-recipient approach to aid giving,...
Lost at sea – Exporting free trade policy to the Pacific
All the textbook theory on free trade is in stark contrast to the practical reality of Pacific lives. Small populations, long distance from markets and low economies of scale, all put the Pacific at a disadvantage when it comes international competitiveness. Of course...
MDG targets are overlooking inequality
The incomes of the richest sections of society are soaring in the UK, China and India, and in most other countries as well. The poorest groups are seeing slow improvements at best, and often decline. Recent estimates indicate that at the current rate it will take more...
Media Release: Will Australia and New Zealand really allow sovereignty to Pacific Countries on Trade Decisions
AFTINET and AID/WATCH welcome the clear indication that Australia and New Zealand, in noting without objection the Pacific Leaders Meeting outcomes, has accepted the right of the Forum Island Countries to have sovereign control over decisions about the Office of the...
Island Leaders Drowned Out At Forum
Speaking to journalists at last week’s Pacific Islands Forum, President Anote Tong of Kiribati had a few words to say about the problems facing the islands of the South Pacific.'You know what the reality of life is? In our life, there will always be...
Pacific islands accuse Australia’s aid agency of coercion
The confidential documents show Pacific island countries could abandon trade talks at a regional leaders' forum next week unless Australia stops pressuring the funding of Pacific trade negotiators.Prime Minister Julia Gillard is expected to attend the leaders' summit...
Mineral Rights For PNG Landowners
Just three weeks ago we reported on the Ramu Nickel case that placed cash before custom in Papua New Guinea. The next day, on 2 August, there was a change of government in Papua New Guinea. What also followed was an important change of policy intent by the new...
Focusing aid brings forward the day we can do without it
It is said that only $1 of every $10 spent in Timor-Leste enters the local economy, with most leaving the country to pay for international consultants and imported goods.I have been following closely the progress of the Australian aid effectiveness review, and the...
Media Release: Aid review delivers report
“If targeted effectively, foreign aid can make a positive contribution to improving people's lives, reducing inequality and promoting justice – and the government’s response represents a step in the right direction,” said Gary Lee, Co-Director,...
“Stop the Indonesia-Australia REDD+ project”: Indigenous Peoples’ opposition to the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership
Article originally appeared on REDD-Monitor When Australia announced the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership, in September 2007, Australia’s then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer said that the project, “was an example of practical climate change...
Take Action: Make Aid Transparent
The campaign, Make Aid Transparent, will culminate in just 4 weeks’ time at a high level meeting on Aid Effectiveness in Korea where we will be demanding that governments redouble efforts to meet their aid transparency promises.Rich country governments promised...
AID/WATCH Membership and Donation Appeal, June 2011
AID/WATCH membership is a way you can express and support the principles you share with us – it’s also essential to the continuation of our work.Please join or renew your 2011-2012 membership today by downloading the form here.TAX TIME: Also, with...
No strings to independent Pacific trade advice: Australian NGOs Australian Non Government
20 May 2011 No strings to independent Pacific trade advice: Australian NGOs Australian Non Government Organisations expressed concern at reports of Australia's attempt to compromise the ability of Pacific island countries to determine the role and mandate of the...
Who Are We Aiding?
Last week’s budget saw an increase in Australia’s overseas aid program which was criticised by shadow treasurer Joe Hockey in light of the many Australian families who are 'doing it tough'. There is no denying that many Australians face cost of living...
Media Release: No strings to independent Pacific trade advice: Australian NGOs
The establishment of OCTA, an independent advisory body, was critical to the Pacific island countries' agreement to commence negotiations with Australia and New Zealand for a regional free trade agreement known as PACER-Plus.The annual Forum Trade Ministers' meeting...