crucial: for instance, limited past debt cancellation doubled the number of children in primary school in Uganda, and paid for a free childhood immunisation programme in Mozambique. The UK has accepted that conditions attached to aid have been harmful: we can now push to cut the strings on debt cancellation. Nigeria secured debt cancellation — although at a high price — and countries like Haiti and Bangladesh are now being considered to receive cancellation of their debt. Continued pressure now will take us further towards an end to debt domination.

What was achieved in 2005?
More debts were cancelled and a very important principle was established. As of January 2006, 19 countries have had all past debts to the International Monetary Fund cancelled; 17 of them are due to get full cancellation of debts to the World Bank and African Development Fund in the next few months. Most importantly, this is the first time rich governments have recognised that some countries must have 100% cancellation of debts to lenders like the World Bank and IMF, as well as to individual governments. Campaigners have been urging politicians to accept this principle for years.
Outside the G8, the Nigerian government, with support from the UK, secured a
momentous debt cancellation of $18 billion. But we are now calling on the UK
and other creditors to return the remaining $12 billion, which they have
demanded be paid upfront.

What are we calling for in 2006?
• CUT THE STRINGS: our major campaign in 2006 focuses on the harmful and undemocratic conditions still attached to debt relief. Come to our campaigner

workshop* on 8 February to find out more.
• Justice for Nigeria: we will be calling on the UK government to return the huge Ł1.7 billion payment it is receiving from Nigeria by early 2006 as part of a new debt deal.
• Keeping G8 promises: we must ensure that the remaining parts of the 2005 G8 deal are delivered as promised and without delays.
• Building on G8 promises: we are calling for more countries (such as Kenya and Peru) to get debt cancellation, and for more debts (such as those to the Inter-American or Asian Development Banks) to be cancelled in full.

As progress over the last decade has shown, every action, every letter, every person who makes their voice heard, makes a difference — even if you just have a few minutes to spare.

What are the key dates for debt in 2006?

• UK budget day, March 2006 — focus on the UK’s income from debt payments.
• Jubilee Debt Campaign conference, London, Spring 2006 - debates, discussions, workshops, networking and international speakers. Look out for the date!
• World Bank and IMF spring meetings, USA, April 2006 - focus on delivering and extending G8 promises, and on the conditions attached to debt relief.
• Debt Day, 16 May 2006 — a day of action on international debt across the UK.
• G8 summit, Russia, July 2006 - focus on extending G8 promises.