Inequality threatens struggle for a better world - CSOs

Accra, Jan. 24, GNA - At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which opened Wednesday, an alliance of international civil society organizations, say the struggles for a better world are all threatened by the inequality crisis.

As the world's rich and powerful gather in Davos for the World Economic Forum from 20th to 23rd January, 2016, an alliance of top international charities, human rights campaigners, women's rights groups, green groups, civil society organisations and trade unions has come together to fight the growing crisis of inequality.

In a joint statement, the alliance, including ActionAid, Amnesty International, Oxfam, Greenpeace and the International Trade Union Confederation, said growing inequality threatens progress on development, environment, women's rights and human rights.

The signatories also include the Association for Women's Rights in Development, global civil society alliance CIVICUS, faith-based networks ACT alliance and CIDSE.

The statement which was copied to the Ghana News Agency by Mr Benjamin Tawiah, the Communications and Public Relations Manager of ActionAid Ghana, said 'Struggles for a better world are all threatened by the inequality crisis that is spiraling out of control.

'Across the world, we are seeing the gap between the richest and the rest reach extremes not seen in a century.'

It said bringing together powerful global networks, the organisations are committed to working together to fight for changes to tackle inequality globally and to reach out to others to build a global movement to counter balance the power and influence of the one per cent.

'Extreme inequality is also frequently linked to rising restrictions on civic space and democratic rights. The right to peaceful protest and the ability of citizens to challenge the prevailing economic discourse is being curtailed almost everywhere.

'Even the future of our planet is dependent on ending this great divide, with the carbon consumption of the one per cent as much as 175 times that of the poorest.

'We choose to imagine a better world than this, where everyone's human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.

'We believe humanity has the talent, technology, and brilliance to build that better world, where the interests of the majority are put first.

'And we believe the time has come to fight for it together,' it stated.

GNA