Key issues

Climate change

The environment has been heavily exploited by a global increase in population and consumer demand, leaving it more fragile than ever before

Conflict and peace

Unrest has become a state of normality in many countries - war and conflict directly undermine vital development work

Education

"Education for all" is an international ideal, but in some developing countries, education is a luxury

Emergency/disasters

Natural disasters include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, drought, hurricanes and cyclones, but emergencies are also caused by conflict and political crises

Farming and food

Farming provides a living for up to 80 per cent of people in the developing world, and can ensure that food is available at all times to all people

Gender

Equality is essential if we are to tackle poverty, and both men and women are part of the solution

Health

Millions in poor countries are underweight and more than three million children die each year as a result. Many major causes of ill health are easily preventable

HIV and AIDS

All around the developing world, CAFOD is fighting back against HIV and AIDS. Given the scale and urgency of the problem, this is one of CAFOD's four top priority areas of work

Human Rights

The true test of a fair society is the degree to which it fulfils human rights, including the right to health, adequate housing, sufficient food, education, justice and security

Land and Housing

More than one billion people live in inadequate housing, and land ownership is being concentrated in the hands of multinational corporations

Mining

In poor parts of the world, extractive industries are often a cause of conflict, suffering, and dangerous pollution

Trade

International trade has the potential to lift millions of people out of poverty. But trade rules are stacked in favour of rich countries and companies

Work

Up to 160 million workers worldwide are currently unemployed and 500 million are unable to earn more than $1 a day