This 2008 Reality of Aid Report presents evidence and opinions from organisations operating on the front lines of development policies around the world about the current reality of aid policies and their outcomes. The reality of aid in 2008 is that it continues to fail to promote human development for the eradication of poverty based on the core values of human rights, democracy, gender equality and environmental sustainability. This is despite the appearance of progress in the form of high-profile debt cancellations, new aid pledges, and the signing of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness. The authors also make clear and explicit calls for what is needed for aid to make a genuine and positive contribution to promoting human development in the poorest countries of the world. "