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ACTION AND EDUCATION FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE

EVERYONE 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. Marking its 36th anniversary this year it connects, informs, educates and campaigns on these matters.

Comhlámh (which means "Link Hands" or "Solidarity") has activist groups and initiatives made up of volunteers from the public in the areas of Trade Justice, Anti-Racism, Focus magazine and Options and Issues in Development and we run regular courses and training workshops for the public and development workers alike.

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, and you can become a member by filling 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 36 bliain ar an bhfód in 2011, eolas agus oideachas ar fáil maidir leis na cúrsaí seo agus cruthaíonn siad naisc agus eagraíonn siad feachtais ina leith.

Annual Report 2010

2010 may have been characterised by the phrase ‘going forward’ but for many it was a year that resembled anything but progress.

Read more by downloading the pdf of Annual Report 2010 

Read Directors' Report and Financial Statements 2010

Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012

Following a long process of consultation Comhlámh introduced Strategic Plan from 2009 to 2012. The evaluation comprised a comprehensive desk study of relevant documentation, consultations with staff, the board, stakeholders and members.

Read more by downloading the pdf of Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012 

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.

Read more by downloading the pdf of Members' Handbook



Strategy Document

Extract of the Strategy Document 2005-2007:

Comhlámh
Action for Global Justice
Our mission is to challenge our society on the root causes of global poverty and inequality and empower people to demand equity in global relations

Read more by downloading the pdf of the Strategy Document.

Annual reports

Extract of the annual report 2005:

Dear members, supporters and friends of Comhlámh,
It is a great pleasure for me to present this year’s annual report to you. It has been an exciting and dynamic year for Comhlámh, full of opportunities and plenty of challenges.

Read more by downloading the pdf of the Annual Report.

Constitution

Read our Constitution

Funding

Comhlamh is part-funded by Irish Aid, Trocaire, the EU, membership subscriptions, other organisations in the development and aid sector, and individual donations.  Comhlamh also works closely with EU partners such as Aitec, Oxfam Deutschland, Tradecraft, Weed and others.

The Irish Aid (formerly Development Co-Operation Ireland) is at www.irishaid.gov.ie

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. Dóchas is not a funding agency and is not involved in overseas projects. www.dochas.ie

Note on the 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