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ACTION AND EDUCATION FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE

ANYONE can become a member, supporter or activist!

Comhlámh (pronounced ‘co-law-ve', Irish for ‘solidarity') is a member and supporter organisation open to anyone interested in social justice, human rights and global development issues. 

All our activities are posted in advance on this website, but you can also sign up for our free e-Newsletter, which will keep you in touch with our events, training courses and activities. You can also support our work by becoming a member - you can fill out the membership form. As a member you will receive a number of benefits.

Mission Statement

Comhlamh's mission is to challenge society on the root causes of global poverty and inequality and empower people to demand equity in global relations.

History 

Comhlámh was set up in 1975 by Irish returned development workers, who defined the organisations principle objective as, “to enable persons who have rendered services overseas in developing countries upon their return to Ireland to bring to bear their own particular experience in order to further international development co-operation.”

Membership was subsequently extended to all those who see their work in a global perspective and support our aims. In recent years, we have been particularly happy to welcome new members from Southern countries living in Ireland, whether as students, refugees or immigrants.

Comhlámh members have always seen overseas development work as part of a broader commitment to global development and solidarity. Many of the causes of global inequality, poverty and oppression have their origin in the industrialised countries and can be addressed by education and campaigning.

What We Do

Over the past three decades, Comhlámh members have pursued our objectives through:

• campaigning for global justice and human rights at home and worldwide;
• promoting understanding of global issues and the cultures of the South through courses, public meetings, the media, etc; 
• providing opportunities for returned development workers to meet each other, to put their overseas experience in context and to consider issues in returning to Ireland and staying involved in development work.

Within these broad areas, Comhlámh's work varies from time to time depending on the priorities and interests of members. 

Is eagraíocht í Comhlámh a bhfuil baill agus tacaithe aici. Tá sí oscailte do gach aon duine a bhfuil suim acu i gceartas sóisialta, i gcearta daonna agus i gceisteanna a bhaineann le forbairt domhanda. Cuireann Comhlámh, atá ag ceiliúradh 38 bliain ar an bhfód in 2013, eolas agus oideachas ar fáil maidir leis na cúrsaí seo agus cruthaíonn siad naisc agus eagraíonn siad feachtais ina leith.

Financial Reports

If you would like to view the Directors' Report and Financial Statements 2012 please click here.

For Directors' Report and Financial Statements 2011 please click here.

For Directors' Report and Financial Statements 2010 please click here.

Read more by downloading our Annual Report 2010

Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012  

Comhlámh's Strategic Plan from 2009 to 2012 focuses on 3 key areas:

• Development workers, volunteers and activists
• Development Education
• Policy, advocacy, research and public engagement

  To view the document please click here. 

Members' Handbook

To improve our support offered to members we prepared a new useful publication, a Members' Handbook. The Handbook is intended to be a basic reference manual that gives a general overview of Comhlámh's work and activities. Click here to view the handbook. 

Constitution

Click here to read our Constitution

Funding

Comhlamh gratefully acknowledges the funding it receieves from Irish Aid, the EU, Trocaire, Concern, membership subscriptions, other organisations in the development and aid sector and individual donations.

Memberships

Comhlamh is a member of Dóchas, the umbrella organisation of Irish Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) involved in development and relief overseas and/or in the provision of development education. Dóchas aims to provide a forum for consultation and co-operation between its members as well as to help them speak with a single voice on development issues. www.dochas.ie

Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages

In April 2007, Comhlámh, along with 35 other Irish aid and development agencies, formally adopted the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages for our public communications.

By signing the Code, organisations commit to a set of principles, ensuring that they will avoid stereotypical or sensational images. The adoption of this Code means that Irish aid and development agencies will choose images and messages that represent the full complexity of the situations in which they work, and that they will seek the permission of the people portrayed in the photos they use.

Click here to read the text of the Code
Click here to read the Guide to Understanding and Implementing the Code of Conduct on Images and Messages

Please send your feedback on our adherence to the Code to info@comhlamh.org