NEW DELHI: Member-countries of the United Nations, including India have failed to take action to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted in the year 2000, according to an assessment report by Action Aid International, an international development organisation.

Having interviewed people in 5,000 villages across 18 Asian and Africa countries, the report titled "Whose Freedom? Millennium Development Goals as if People Matter!'' indicates how the whole development exercise of a team of 250 experts of the United Nations Millennium Project (UNMP) has been "reduced to a mere charity mission''.

Pointing out lack of political will and ambition, the report noted that member countries hardly made any impact in poor people lives in the developing and least developed countries in the past five years.

"Even five years after the announcement of the millennium goals, nearly 70 per cent people across the world continue to live in extreme poverty,'' said International Director, Action Aid International, John Samuel, releasing the report here in the Capital on Thursday.

Livelihood crisis

The Millennium Declaration was adopted by all United Nations member States in 2000.

"Our report notes that small, marginal farmers and agricultural labourers still stand at the brink of a livelihood crisis. Women are facing escalating discrimination and denial of basic rights that are necessary to live a dignified life. Despite tall promises, poverty is the omnipresent reality of the people in Asia and Africa. The study then consolidates people's reflection on issues, including education, health and livelihood among others,'' said Country Director, Action Aid India, Babu Mathew.

Civil society

The report also provides a unique communication channel between world's poor citizens and policy makers in national and international institutions and will build up agendas for action locally and nationally and present reality check for decision makers and civil society.

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