A Question of Conscience

Linda Fabiani is the Scottish Executive Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture with responsibility for international development. Here she agrees to go under the microscope as SCIAF’s Val Morgan asks the questions.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Glasgow – born in Granny’s house in Knightswood and raised in Partick.

What was your first ever job?

Worked Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons in a fruit shop in Scotstoun, Glasgow

How did you get into politics?

Frustration at unfairness of life for too many people.

Have you visited many developing countries? If so, where, when, and what affect did it have on you?

I have visited South East Asia, Africa and Latin America. My late friend, Margaret Ewing, told me before I went to East Timor in 1999 (as a UN observer to the independence referendum) that the experience would always stay with me as it was my first visit to a suffering nation. She was right – I will never forget the feeling of helplessness that I could do nothing to stop the brutality, coupled with frustration and anger that developed nations had ignored the East Timorese struggle for quarter of a century.

Do you have a traveller’s tale from you overseas’ trip?

The first time I visited Lima, Peru, was whilst the oppressive government of Alberto Fujimori was still in power – civic society had great difficulties. I remember attending a discreet meeting of trade union representatives where I was introduced as “Member of Parliament from England – the bit where Sean Connery is President”.

What would you like to achieve during your term in the international development role?

I want to be able to say – “Look – this is where Scotland made a difference”.

What do you think are the big issues causing poverty and injustice around the world?

HIV/AIDS is a huge factor, which has had a devastating effect on the generation that would be most productive and economically active. The 2006 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that some 15 million children under the age of 18 had been orphaned as a result of AIDS - 12 million of these in Africa. What this effectively means is that a whole generation of adults has been wiped out and children are being cared for by their grandparents or their older brothers and sisters. This is not simply about helping people living with the consequences of HIV/AIDS but also changing attitudes which have often been ingrained for generations.

And if we are to close the gap between rich and poor, trade justice is essential. Western governments have to do something about unfair trade rules. Some positive steps have been taken, such as debt cancellation post-G8 in Gleneagles, but there is still a long way to go – it could start with a new round of responsible international dialogue.

What can the Scottish Government and politicians do to help address these problems?

This government is committed to a progressive international development policy. We announced £250,000 to support SCIAF’s work in Darfur which will help those most in need and provide people with the resources to feed themselves and their families at the beginning of the rainy season. I look forward to announcing the next round of the International Development Fund in due course. My experience of the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Groups, such as those on International Development, Malawi and Fair Trade, suggests that there is always scope for agreement and partnership on issues that go beyond party politics.

What can the public do to help?

I think the question should be what the public must do to help as I believe we no longer have a choice. The Scottish people have a history of responding to humanitarian crises. At the time of the Asian Tsunami, Scots donated more on average than any other part of the UK. However, issues of global inequality need to be mainstreamed in our everyday lives and government and politicians have a role in awareness-raising. Being aware is a start, then there is buying fair trade products, teaching our children about global issues, supporting global good causes, learning more about the causes of global inequality, looking after the environment by using less energy, sharing skills and knowledge by volunteering......I could go on and on. And, not to be forgotten – the value of public pressure in forcing those with the power to act – crucial!

September 2007