December 12, 2002

The right to food, health, education, work and an adequate standard of living are part of the internationally recognized framework of human rights standards. That makes them a legal obligation rather than just a policy option. A global campaign launched 10 December by the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) argues that the universality of these obligations fundamentally challenges notions of competition and efficiency, which accept that, in the global marketplace, some people and communities may lose these basic entitlements.

Launched in Geneva, Switzerland on World Human Rights Day, the three-year campaign wants to ensure that international human rights, social and environmental agreements take precedence over trade agreements and policies. Or, as its slogan says, that trade is for people, not people for trade.

The EAA is a global network of more than 85 churches, development agencies, and related organizations on all continents, including the World YWCA, the World Council of Churches, Bread for the World, and many others. It represents a constituency of hundreds of millions of people. "As institutions, and as members of civil society, we believe we have both the obligation and the power to speak for justice and change the rules of global trade," considers EAA board member Dr Musimbi Kanyoro.

Speaking at a press briefing on the campaign, Kanyoro, who is secretary general of the World Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA), argued that economic injustice, spearheaded by "trade rules that are not fair and don't put people first," are "brutally ripping the global community apart."

Why churches?

In answer to the question "Why are the churches taking up the issue of trade?" Prof. Dr Christoph St|ckelberger of the EAA's trade strategy group told journalists that it is "because the biblical standards for economics, including the trade of goods and services, are justice and taking the side of the poor."

"This vision," said St|ckelberger, "should not be reduced to mere equality of opportunity for all to compete without hindrance. That has only helped those who already have access to political and economic power to gain more power and a greater share of the world's resources, and to create power elites that suppress others."

The campaign acknowledges that "trade is a basic social activity," and that it "can contribute to the common good." But it argues that "trade on unequal terms is damaging, creates and maintains inequities, and can lead to violence, conflict and environmental destruction." It holds that "trade should be a means to share the bounty of the earth and the fruits of human labour, yet too often is a force that causes poverty, despair, injustice and death."

Campaign plan

The campaign will advocate for trade rules and policies that recognize the right to food, ensure sustainable agriculture, promote greater self-reliance in developing countries, guarantee access for all to essential services, and allow for regulation of transnational corporations. Its action plan covers:

• mass mobilization, including use of a global petition;

• local advocacy initiatives; and

• lobbying with international institutions by experts from North and South.

Each participating church and organization will take up the common campaign agenda in its own context with its own government, as well as working together to impact international institutions.

This plan has been shared with both World Trade Organization (WTO) director general Supachai Panitchpakdi and UN high commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello, and both have agreed to meet with the EAA. It has also been sent to all governmental representatives and observers to the WTO, and to all ambassadors to Switzerland.

The plan of action and the petition are available on the EAA website at http://www.e-alliance.ch/trade.htm

World Council of Churches