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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 33rd year in 2008, 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 33 bliain ar an bhfód in 2008, eolas agus oideachas ar fáil maidir leis na cúrsaí seo agus cruthaíonn siad naisc agus eagraíonn siad feachtais ina leith.

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, membership subscriptions, other organisations in the development and aid sector, and individual donations.

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

Comhlamh is a signatory to the Code of Conduct on Images and Messages (Please see: http://www.comhlamh.org/resources-library.html). As this website is relatively new, it is our objective to comply fully with this Code of Conduct throughout this website at the earliest opportunity and to continue thereafter. Feedback on this issue is most welcome. Email: paul@comhlamh.org