Reports

In 2015, the leaders of 193 governments promised to reduce inequality as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Without reducing inequality, meeting the SDG to eliminate poverty will be impossible. Now Development Finance International and Oxfam have produced the first index to measure the commitment of governments to reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.

The Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index uses a new database of indicators covering 152 countries, which measures government action on social spending, tax and labour rights – three areas found to be critical to reducing inequality.

This first version of the CRI Index is work in progress, and DFI and Oxfam welcome comments and additions. We find that there is an urgent need for coordinated global investment to significantly improve the data on inequality and policies to reduce it, and much greater concerted action by governments across the world to reduce the gap between rich and poor.

Download file:
CRI Index – Summary.pdf

CRI Index – Report.pdf

CRI Index – Methodology.pdf

Big business is able to take advantage of loopholes in global tax laws and avoid tax on a massive scale.

This deprives governments around the world of the money they need to tackle poverty and inequality. It means there is less for them to invest in healthcare, education and jobs.

This report examines the failings of the global tax system that facilitate mass tax avoidance. It looks at one example of a multinational company (MNC) that Oxfam thinks is not paying its fair share and gives an overview of its practices in New Zealand.. It calls on the New Zealand government and business to implement the reforms that are needed to stop MNCs from avoiding paying their fair share of tax in the future.

Download file:

Oxfam NZ Report – Making Tax Vanish in New Zealand.pdf

Oxfam GB Report – Making Tax Vanish – July 2017.pdf

Women’s economic empowerment could reduce poverty for everyone.

In order to achieve it, we need to first fix the current broken economic model which is undermining gender equality and causing extreme economic inequality.

The neoliberal model has made it harder for women to have better quality and better paid jobs, address inequality in unpaid care work, and women’s influence and decision making power is constrained.

To achieve women’s economic empowerment, we need a human economy that works for women and men alike, and for everyone, not just the richest 1%.

Download file:

bp-an-economy-that-works-for-women-020317-en-summ.pdf

bp-an-economy-that-works-for-women-020317-en.pdf

New estimates show that just eight men own the same wealth as the poorest half of the world.

As growth benefits the richest, the rest of society – especially the poorest – suffers. The very design of our economies and the principles of our economics have taken us to this extreme, unsustainable and unjust point.

Our economy must stop excessively rewarding those at the top and start working for all people. Accountable and visionary governments, businesses that work in the interests of workers and producers, a valued environment, women’s rights and a strong system of fair taxation, are central to this more human economy.

The sources and methodology behind the headline facts in this paper are explained in the separate methodology note.

Download file:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – An economy for the 99 percent.pdf

FULL REPORT – An economy for the 99 percent.pdf

An economy for the 99 percent – methodology note.pdf

Pacific island countries are working hard to address the escalating realities of climate change, including the impact on land, livelihoods, and on the food and water security of their most vulnerable communities. The need for accessible, predictable, adequate and appropriate financial support to meet the climate crisis is urgent and growing.

This report takes stock of the climate risks facing the Pacific region, and considers these risks in relation to commitments under the Paris Agreement, the complex nature of existing financial flows, current commitments from Australia and New Zealand, and the range of challenges that must be overcome to ensure support reaches those most in need.

Download file:

FULL REPORT – After Paris – Climate Finance in the Pacific Islands.pdf

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – After Paris – Climate Finance in the Pacific Islands.pdf