Speak Up
For the love of Nepal – sign our call to generosity
Australia, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
Our international development assistance makes a huge difference in the lives of people in poverty in our region and around the world. But Australian aid is still at its lowest ever level.
We know advocacy works because we’ve had some recent wins!
Nepal was one of only three countries in South East Asia not to have their aid cut at the last budget, and the Australian Government also sent additional aid to Nepal after the devastating COVID-19 wave last year.
Thanks for adding your voice to the call.
Dear Minister,
Australia and Nepal have always been good friends. Tens of thousands of Australians travel to Nepal each year and Nepalese people are the fastest growing migrant group in Australia.
Yet the previous government cut Australian aid to its lowest ever levels – including cutting support to Nepal by more than two-thirds – even as hunger and poverty are rising and we need more global cooperation to fight poverty, pandemics and instability, not less!
As the world rebuilds from COVID-19, Australia can also rebuild our own reputation and diplomatic strength by increasing our aid to meet the urgent global economic, health and environmental challenges faced by Nepal and other nations.
Our support for Nepal has helped to empower women, expand economic opportunities for the poor, and improve Nepal’s governance.
To be a good neighbour to Nepal and other nations in our region and beyond, we ask you to:
Plan and legislate to increase Australia’s Official Development Assistance to the internationally agreed target of 0.7% of Gross National Income by 2030.
Restore bilateral aid funding to Nepal to at least $18 m – focusing on improving health, economic empowerment and women’s rights.
Yours,
