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DIRECTOR OF OXFAM GIVES TALK AT BUCKINGHAM

Monday 13th October 2003

Barbara Stocking, CBE, Director of Oxfam GB, presented a lecture on the "Dilemmas of doing good" at the IFLH last Tuesday. Members of the public, staff and students heard that 90% of Oxfam's work is spent on humanitarian aid projects throughout the world.

Barbara chose to focus on the difficulties the organisation faces when it seeks to alleviate suffering in areas of acute conflict and the necessity for campaigning for change. She spoke in particular of the stance Oxfam has held over the Iraq war and shared her concerns for the ordinary Palestinian and Israeli people who will suffer as a result of the building of the Israeli wall.

Barbara also highlighted the challenges facing an organisation like Oxfam in developing and implementing aid programmes. Whilst being clear in retaining its independence, Oxfam still needs to be able to apply its significant influence in complex political situations.

At the end of the evening there was a lively question and answer session followed by refreshments.

Report by James Rowell and the Web Team