Oxfam+2

**By Eli Bamber**
=__**History of Oxfam**__=

Oxfam International was formed in 1995 by a group of independent non-governmental organizations. Their aim was to work together for greater impact on the international stage to reduce poverty and injustice. The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942. The group campaigned for food supplies to be sent through an allied naval blockade to starving women and children in enemy-occupied Greece during the Second World War.

As well as becoming a world leader in the delivery of emergency relief, Oxfam International implemented long-term development programs in vulnerable communities. They are also part of a global movement, campaigning with others, for instance, to end unfair trade rules, demand better health and education services for all, and to combat climate change.

Today, there are 17 member organizations of the Oxfam International confederation. They are based in: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Quebec, Spain and the United States.



__**The purpose of Oxfam**__
Oxfam's vision is a just world without poverty. They want a world where people are valued and treated equally, enjoy their rights as full citizens, and can influence decisions affecting their lives.

The purpose of Oxfam is to help create lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty. They are part of a global movement for change, empowering people to create a future that is secure, just, and free from poverty.

Oxfam use a combination of rights-based sustainable development programs, public education, campaigns, advocacy, and humanitarian assistance in disasters and conflicts. They challenge the structural causes of the injustice of poverty, and work with allies and partners locally and globally.

Oxfam believe that ...
 * Everyone has a right to realise their potential, and to live free of poverty in a secure and more equitable world. We believe that with the necessary action and political will, this world is possible.
 * People have a right to life and security; to a sustainable livelihood; to be heard; to have an identity; and to have access to basic social services. We subscribe to all international covenants on rights, and to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In poverty, people have little power and are denied an effective voice. Poverty means little income, too few assets, lack of access to basic services and opportunities, deep inequalities, ongoing insecurity and little opportunity for development.
 * Poverty is rooted in inequality, and in human action or inaction. It can be worsened by natural disasters, human violence, oppression and environmental damage, and maintained by institutions and economic means.
 * Women and girls are often the most oppressed by poverty; their needs and rights must be central to eliminating it.
 * We face unprecedented changes and challenges this century, including climate change, famines and food price crises, increasing humanitarian crises, energy limitations, proliferation of weapons, urbanisation and natural resources shortages. To meet these challenges, we need global co-operation and cohesion.
 * Governments should be accountable to their people, and all society’s institutions –corporations, organisations and groups including us – should be accountable for the impact of their actions.
 * We are secular, open-minded and pluralistic. We welcome all beliefs that advance human rights.



__**Work done by Oxfam**__
Oxfam understands that many causes of poverty are linked, and uses many tactics to fight poverty and inequality. When crisis strikes we respond with life-saving support, and help people to rebuild their livelihoods. Day in and day out we work with our community partners to find practical, innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive – often by exercising their basic rights as women and men. And from local communities to the global stage, we call for fairness and justice so that people in poverty can influence the decisions that affect them. So when there is a crisis Oxfam is on there way with help.

Oxfam are helping to end: To name a few
 * The ebola outbreak
 * World hunger
 * Poverty on a global scale
 * Helping to prepare for drought and floods



__**Case study of Oxfam**__
One of the programs Oxfam did was the NEW FORESTS COMPANY AND ITS UGANDA PLANTATIONS here is a case study on it.

London-based New Forests Company (NFC) would seem to be the design blueprint of how a young modern company should conduct a major land investment in Africa in a responsible way. Oxfam’s investigations reveal, however, that serious allegations by people who were evicted from land to make way for NFC’s operations remain unresolved. The people evicted from the land were desperate, having been driven into poverty and landlessness. In some instances they say they were subjected to violence and their property, crops, and livestock destroyed. They say they were not properly consulted, have been offered no adequate compensation, and have received no alternative land.

In Oxfam’s view, NFC and its financial backers must be held to account for the lost.

livelihoods and shattered lives of families evicted from the land they farmed. Oxfam is calling on NFC and its investors to:
 * Hold a full investigation into the events in Kiboga and Mubende, and make the terms of reference for the investigation and its findings, public;
 * Commit to a transparent and accountable process to provide justice for the affected communities and, in consultation with affected communities and local and national authorities, ensure the provision of alternative land and compensation for lost homes, crops, livestock, and livelihoods;
 * Provide damages for any abuses found to have been suffered by affected communities;
 * Where failures are found, commit to reform their policies, standards, and procedures, so that such abuses can never happen again.

In September 2011, Oxfam profiled a land deal in Uganda in which villagers were being evicted to make way for timber plantations.

This case is still going on.