Resolution - 2005.06
Developing Countries and Water
Submitted by: Ontario and Saskatchewan Provincial Councils
Whereas, Water is a basic human right without which no one can survive; and
Whereas, The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund lend billions of dollars annually for water services in developing countries, pressuring these countries to privatize their water systems to obtain these loans; and
Whereas, The privatization of water has jeopardized access to clean affordable water in developing countries; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the national council of The Catholic Women's League of Canada, in 85th annual national convention assembled, urge that the federal government exert pressure on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
- to cease placing conditions on loans with regard to water resources and systems, and
- to advocate community-based public solutions to ensure all people have access to clean, affordable water; and, be it further
Resolved, That the national council of The Catholic Women's League of Canada, in 85th annual national convention assembled, forward this resolution to the North American Regional Vice-President and Resolution Committee for consideration and presentation to the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations General Assembly to be held in Washington, D.C. in June 2006.
Requested Members' Action:
- write letters to the prime minister, minister for international cooperation, minister of finance, minister of international trade and minister of foreign affairs urging that pressure be exerted on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
- to cease placing conditions on loans with regard to water resources and systems
- to advocate community-based public solutions to ensure all people have access to clean, affordable water
- send a copy to your member of parliament
- invite a guest speaker, e.g., Development and Peace has developed a comprehensive program dealing with this topic
- speak with your local bishop to see if there are additional ways to use the many resources produced for the Development and Peace campaign 2005; perhaps he would invite the League to host/sponsor/further develop information and/or action forums
- talk to local school board officials and see if the topic fits into existing secondary school curriculum (law, economics, world politics, religion, ethical decision-making); sponsor a debate competition using the resolution as an opening argument
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