Witness for Peace : Debt and Structural Adjustment

Debt and Structural Adjustment

Members of WFP protest unjust debt and WB policies.

Since 1990, Witness for Peace has monitored the effects of external debt, structural adjustment programs, and the effects of International Financial Institutions (IFI) policies in Nicaragua, and elsewhere in Latin America. Following the lead of our partners on the ground, Witness for Peace has advocated for debt cancellation and the end of conditionality from IFIs, playing important historic roles in the Jubilee USA coalition as well as the movement to transform the World Bank and IMF.

Today, Witness for Peace's efforts focus on the unconditional canceling of Nicaragua's debt to the Inter-American Development Bank and the removal of conditions by IFIs including conditions preventing social spending, and conditions leading to the privatization of Nicaragua's public services.

Travel Delegations

Mexico Delegation Schedule

Investigate the roots of migration through first-hand testimony from those who flee military and economic violence.

Colombia Delegation Schedule

Stand with Colombians as they work for peace and justice despite harmful U.S. military aid and drug eradication.

Nicaragua Delegation Schedule

Explore how U.S. economic policies contribute to poverty in one of the hemisphere's poorest countries.

Reports

The Mérida Initiative: New Phase, Same Violence

Witness for Peace Spokesperson Paola Gutierrez Galindo Discusses Immigration, NAFTA

Tension surrounding Mexican immigration is growing, and many would say that the system is broken, especially Paola Gutierrez Galindo. From Oaxaca, Mexico, Galindo holds a degree in Indigenous Law and is focused on the impact of migration on identity and family in Oaxacan indigenous communities. At a presentation hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Latin American Studies, she explained her concern about migration as a Mexican worried about the demise of her community, a view unfamiliar to many Americans.

Miguel’s Story: From Farmer to Impoverished Wage Worker
by WFP Nicaragua Team

Read this story of how U.S. economic policies have failed impoverished Nicaraguans.

Freezing Out Farmers

This article challenges the use of foreign aid as a political tool, shares the stories of farmers that will suffer if the programs are terminated, and critiques a model which is being hailed as the "new face" of U.S. aid.

The Perfect Storm: U.S. Policy in Mexico
by WFP Mexico Team

How U.S. policy drives people like Fidel Santiago Martinez to risk their lives to immigrate to the U.S.

Desarraigo Obligado- En Español

FACT SHEET: CAFTA and Women

Download this short fact sheet on the Central American Free Trade Agreement and its impact on women.

Just the Facts

Condemned to Debt: The External Debt in Nicaragua

Nicaragua: Condemned to Debt

Take Action

Tell Congress to Stop Displacing Colombians

Nearly 5 million Colombians have been displaced. Yet, our government continues to send more in military aid than in humanitarian aid to Colombia, assisting the victimizers more than the victims. Help us inundate Congress with calls and emails for policies that would alleviate, not exacerbate, Colombia's crisis.

Extend Debt Relief for All!

Please call your Representative today and urge him/her to support the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation.

Follow WFP on Facebook

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In the Media

Swindling the Sick: The IMF Debt Relief Sham

by Ben Beachy, Nicaragua International Team Common Dreams, January 27, 2006

Publications

A Bankrupt Future: The Human Cost of Nicaragua's Debt

Download this publication which puts a "human face" on the complex economic concepts of external debt and structural adjustment programs in Nicaragua.