More External Debt, Less Development.

The external debt crisis is suffocating the developing world. Urgent action is needed to achieve greater global financial equity. A country that pays more interest on its debts spends less on health or education.

MILLIONS

people live in countries that spend more on debt payments than on health or education

+ INTERESTS

0 Times

Interest rates that poor countries pay compared to wealthy nations

DOLLARS

$ 0 Billions

That the Global South sends to the North through debt payments, interest, and tax evasion

An Unjust System

The global debt system favors the most powerful and leaves the most vulnerable countries behind, perpetuating colonial structures and the dominance of multilateral institutions and private creditors.

WHO ALWAYS WIN

THE RICHEST 0 %

Private lenders, investment funds, wealthy countries. In 2023, the richest 1% earned more than ever before. Where does that money come from? From the interest paid by poor countries. While the Global South sacrifices health and education, creditors multiply their profits.

HOW DOES THE TRAP WORK?

A country takes out a loan for development
Interest rates rise by up to 1000% “because there is a higher risk of default”
Debt payments + interest exceed income
Cuts to health, education, and public services
Humanitarian crisis → need for more loans
The trap closes. The cycle returns to step 1.

Campaign Articles

Sovereign Debt: A Tool of Oppression for the Developing World

Sovereign debt limits health, education, and development in the Global South, perpetuating inequality and financial dependence.

When Debt Costs Lives: The Impact on Global Health

Unjust debt forces countries in the Global South to cut health, education, and basic services, affecting the lives of millions.

Three Key Demands to End Debt Injustice

AHF proposes three urgent reforms to relieve sovereign debt, protect human rights, and prioritize the development of the Global South.

1

Debtors Forum

Create a unified space where Global South countries negotiate together. When they negotiate alone, creditors hold all the power. United, they can demand fair terms.

Proposed in Seville and endorsed by the G20 in 2025

2

Debt Pauses During Crises

During health emergencies or climate disasters, countries must pause debt payments. You can’t choose between saving lives and paying creditors.

Every dollar in crisis must go to people, not banks

3

Financial Equity: AI Solidarity

AI companies are making massive profits while poor countries cut health and education to pay debt. 1% of those profits must go to debt relief and public goods.

New wealth cannot enrich only a few

#FreedomFromDebt

Join the global movement for equity and human development in the Global South.

Join the movement for global financial equity.

Debt injustice is a human rights issue.