Background
Gollancz's letter to the Guardian called for a negotiated end to the Korean war and the creation of an international fund 'to turn swords into ploughshares.' All those in support were to send a postcard to Gollancz with the simple word 'yes'. He received 5000 replies. The Association for World Peace was formed in March 1951 and in May it invited Harold Wilson to chair a committee and write a pamphlet. This was 'War on Want - a Plan for World Development', published on 9 June 1952.
History
War on Want was and still is at the forefront of many of the debates around the developing world issues. In 1961 War on Want raised concerns about 'third world' debt and warned it would be a central issue in the future.
In the 1970s we helped to expose the scandal of baby foods companies marketing powdered milk as a healthier option than breast milk to mothers in the developing world. This was a more dangerous and expensive option for these mothers who had no access to safe drinking water and sterilisation facilities. War on Want was also instrumental in campaigning for workers' rights on tea plantations and supported the South African struggle against apartheid.
The 1980s saw War on Want embarking on ground-breaking campaigns on the role of women in the developing world and we continued to support the liberation movements in Eritrea, South Africa and Western Sahara.
The 1990s focused on the need to respond to issues raised by globalisation. We have always put workers rights at the centre of campaigns and are looking for innovative ideas to ensure the benefits of globalisation are shared equally. This is reflected in our call for the introduction of a Tobin tax on currency speculation.
Throughout its history War on Want has supported people who have struggled to find their own path to development. We have worked in partnership with progressive governments and organisations to find solutions to the failure of the world economic system to deliver a more equal distribution of wealth.
War on Want along with our friends from Peru, El Salvador and the Philippines marched peacefully at the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle and demanded fair access for goods from developing countries to the west.
We also took part in some of the mass demonstrations to call for the cancellation of world debt. This is a continuing struggle as governments in Africa are still spending nearly three times more money servicing their debt than they do on health services.
Alliances
War on Want is affiliated to Solidar, an international alliance of NGOs concerned with similar issues and with historical links to the labour movement.
We are at the forefront of the Trade Justice Movement and we were a key player in the Make Poverty History campaign.
 |  | Where We Work:
Use our interactive map to see where we work with our partners throughout the world fighting the root causes of global poverty. |
 | | About War on Want:
Find out more about how we fight poverty in developing countries in partnership and solidarity with people affected by globalisation. |
 | | Contact Us:
Find out how to get in touch, our address and how to find out offices . |
