A global network of churches and related organizations is launching a three-year campaign to press for international human rights, social, and environmental agreements to take precedence over trade agreements and policies.

The campaign, called "Trade for people, not people for trade," was launched on International Human Rights Day December 10 by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), a network of more than 85 churches, development agencies and related organizations – including the World Council of Churches – representing a constituency of hundreds of millions of people.

"Global trade can either promote or hinder justice, peace and sustainability," said Dr. Musimbi Kanyuoro, general secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association (YMCA). "We will use human rights principles to challenge economic injustice and to change trade rules in favor of justice between and within countries and communities, create alternatives, and support people struggling against economic discrimination," she said.

Specifically, the campaign will advocate trade rules that recognize the right to food, ensure sustainable agriculture and food security for all, and promote greater self-reliance in developing countries. It will also advocate global and national trade policies and rules that guarantee access for all to essential services, based on human rights principles. It will also seek regulation of transnational corporations to ensure that they contribute to the eradication of poverty, the promotion of human rights, and the protection of the environment.

World Council of Churches