Policy and research: Debt, finance and economic justice

CAFOD produces policy and research papers looking at how the global economy can work to ensure it does not deepen poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic countries in the global south were not spending enough on areas such as health. Limited access to the vaccine will deepen the economic disruption and push more countries into debt crises.

Key areas of work

Through research and campaigning, CAFOD is pressuring the UK government to:

  • Push for debt payments to be cancelled.
  • Pressure private banks, asset managers and hedge fund to participate in debt relief and restructuring initiatives.
  • Use new finance through mechanisms such as IMF Special Drawing Rights to support institutions that will tackle the pandemic and climate change.

Pope Francis has called for us to rethink the global economy work to ensure it does not deepen poverty, inequality and environmental degradation. 

CAFOD is calling for the creation of decent and green jobs: work designed in a way that gives a decent livelihood to the worker, while protecting and restoring our common home.

Through our country programmes CAFOD is committed to working with the poorest and most disadvantaged communities to support enterprise development.

Key documents

  • Covid-19 online talk

    Using the UK's Special Drawing Rights

    This discussion paper argues that the UK should use an increase to overall reserves to rapidly scale up access to Covid vaccines for the poorest countries and to tackle the global climate and biodiversity crisis.

  • Income generating from solar panels use in Bangladesh

    CDC leadership in a just and green recovery

    In this discussion paper we put forward proposals which would enable CDC to increase its ability to meet the challenge of accelerating a just, green recovery.

  • Four campaigners hold a long banner that reads 'Cancel the debt'

    Under the radar

    This briefing shines a light on the debt owed to private creditors by five African countries - Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia - and outlines the steps which the G20 needs to take to avert further economic chaos.

Back to top