The year 2012 is drawing to a close. As the temperature falls, the sight of homeless people shivering in the streets and impoverished seniors scavenging through rubbish bins casts a shadow over the city. After years, poverty in various regions have declined through the concerted efforts of governments and civil society. Nevertheless, marginalised people in different corners of the world still suffer from deprivation and discrimination.

Thanks to Nilanthi and the million or so other tea farmers in Sri Lanka, billions of people around the world enjoy their cuppa. Yet, tea is extremely vulnerable to climatic change, and so are the livelihoods of the tea farmers. Nilanthi says that weather has already been changing in the past 3 or 4 years. "When it's dry, it stays dry for much longer; and then the rains come with such force," she says.

Among the causes of poverty are unjust and unfair policies and practices. Over the years, Oxfam has conducted numerous researches on issues covering local poverty, climate change, corporate social responsibility, famine and food, aid and education. We strive to raise awareness about poverty, develop and propose fair policies, change mindsets and behaviours.

A series of campaigns have been launched since Oxfam Hong Kong was established in 1976, including the ongoing advocacy efforts for working poor families in Hong Kong and the global GROW campaign. In tackling poverty caused by unfair trade rules, gender injustice and climate change, we also played a key role in the global Make Trade Fair Campaign (2002-2006), We Can Campaign in South Asia (2004-2011) and Climate Change Campaign.

Oxfam is dedicated to fighting poverty and inequity worldwide. The international and independent development and humanitarian organisation tackles poverty in four main ways: sustainable development in poor communities, disaster relief, local and global advocacy, and education with Hong Kong youth. Established in Hong Kong in1976, Oxfam Hong Kong is a founding member of Oxfam, an international confederation that has assisted poor people in 94 countries. Oxfam Hong Kong alone has supported poor people in over 70 countries/regions.