Make Poverty History Rally - 2nd July 2005

On Saturday 2nd July, 225,000 protesters met in Edinburgh for the biggest march Scotland has ever seen. Global justice campaigners from all over the world converged on the capital in an emotional and inspiring symbol of unity against G8 inaction on world poverty.

Debt campaigners were out in force and Jubilee Scotland held activities throughout the day in the Meadows – the meeting point before and after the march. Campaigners were able to add their own message to the G8 leaders by pinning written demands on white bands to 25 feet tall MAKE POVERTY HISTORY letters. Jubilee Scotland's Ben Young and Freya Lock led a band of tireless volunteers to create this huge petition – something which captured the size and power of the anti-poverty movement.

In other areas of the Meadows Jubilee Scotland had a campaign stall providing information on the issue of debt, and in the Children and Youth zones a new generation of campaigners were taking part in creative campaigning.

The day was an overwhelming success and deserved more attention than it received from the media the following day. However, it did successfully launch the beginning of Jubilee Scotland’s week of activity around the G8, details of which can be read below.

International Debt Convention
Jubilee Scotland Debt Tribunal
Public Statement From International Jubilee movement on G8 Debt Proposal