CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales

Campaigning on business

Small businesses are the main source of employment in most countries. And as economic entities, the largest international businesses dwarf many countries.

Businesses can play can huge part in tackling poverty. They create jobs, pay taxes, develop people’s skills and provide technological innovations. They can help developing countries’ economies to grow and provide a route out of poverty.

But problems occur if businesses aren’t properly regulated or monitored to ensure they don’t abuse their power.

Our vision is a private sector that puts people at the centre. A way of doing business which is based on compassion and social justice, as well as the desire to make a profit, could transform the lives of people in poor countries.

That’s why we’re campaigning to:

  • make businesses more transparent about their global operations
  • make businesses provide better social and environmental protection for people in poverty
  • give those harmed by business access to justice
  • ensure small businesses receive the support they need.

Thanks to your support, we’ve already seen some big successes - read the latest updates below.

But when a new law is passed, we need to make sure it’s followed. And when a promise is made, we need to push for it to be kept. This campaign will continue. It’s everybody’s business.


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Get down to business

How your campaigning made the government take notice of small businesses.

Bribery Act is necessary to prevent damage to UK's business reputation

Bribery Act passed

Find out about this major step forward in the fight against corruption.

Open up the books

Act now to close legal loopholes so that poor communities benefit from the wealth beneath their feet.

Group of miners in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo [Richard Wainwright]

Unearth justice

Get up to speed on our Unearth Justice campaign for responsible gold mining.

take action

Give

For every £1 given to our Give it up! Lent Appeal today, the Government will donate another £1 – doubling your gift and changing even more lives.

Let waters flow and wash away injustice

Pray

884 million people do not have access to clean, safe water. Pray with us this Lent that waters may flow and injustice may be washed away.

Act

Help us turn the tide on water poverty. Join our Thirst for change campaign and ensure world leaders hear our call: taps and toilets for all.

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Published on 14/01/2011, last updated on 05/01/2012
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