Largest mobilization on an issue-world record
set by the anti-poverty mass action
UNITED NATIONS -- More than 116 million people
took part in public gatherings and demonstrations organized
by anti-poverty activists in 131 countries across the world-setting
the world record for the Largest mobilization
on an issue.
Photo: Organizers said the mass
action on Oct. 17-19, which drew nearly 2 percent of the world's
population, sent a clear message to world leaders that people
will not stay seated while promises to end poverty remain
unfulfilled. / Photo Global Call to Action against
Poverty (enlarge
photo)
"This is a wonderful statement of global determination
and commitment to end the injustice of extreme poverty," said
Desmond Tutu, archbishop of Cape Town, adding: "116 million
people have stood together to say [that]. This message must
be heard by leaders."
The worldwide actions, billed as "Stand Up and
Take Action," were jointly organized by two international
groups, the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) and
the UN Millennium Campaign.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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