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Hungry for Justice

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. The G8 leaders, when they met in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on the issue of poverty, especially in Africa." I say to all those leaders: "do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words.
Act with courage and vision." Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom. Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course, the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up. Make Poverty History in 2005. Make history in 2005, then we can all stand with our heads held high.

"Nelson Mandela speaks for Make Poverty History" in International Development Magazine, Summer 2005, p. 9