Stop EPAs now!
Every now and then, an event comes along to re-inspire and re-invigorate a campaign.
The Trade Justice Movement’s unprecedented rally and lobby of European Union embassies in London in April was one such day.
Over 1000 campaigners gathered in Belgrave Square in blazing sunshine on 19 April to campaign against Economic Partnership Agreements.
Over 1000 campaigners gathered in Belgrave Square in blazing sunshine on 19 April to campaign against Economic Partnership Agreements.
The point
The day began with speakers, including Christian Aid director Daleep Mukarji, rallying the crowd from atop a double decker bus. One of the speakers described EPAs as a ‘crow bar, opening poor countries’ markets for multinational companies’.
‘The message was clear: EPAs are bad.’
The message was clear: EPAs are bad. They involve poor countries having to open their markets to rich countries and, if signed, they will have serious repercussions for the economies of poor countries.
There is no way local producers in developing countries could compete with producers from the west.
There is no way local producers in developing countries could compete with producers from the west.
People power
Following the rally, the crowd split into groups who had been allocated an embassy each to lobby. Some travelled across London whilst others walked a few metres.
‘Some embassies offered refreshments whilst representatives talked through the issues with campaigners.’
All of the feedback from campaigners was very positive and many embassies were particularly friendly, some offering refreshments while talking through the issues with their visitors.
Going global
The rally and lobby were part of a Global Day of Action with similar events taking place across the UK and throughout the world.
‘All countries have a right to decide for themselves how to trade.’
Campaigners in many different countries showed solidarity with the poor and with their right to decide for themselves how to trade and who with.
The damage
If poor countries do not sign the EPAs, the EU is threatening to close its own markets to developing countries.
Access to these markets is essential for the development of poor countries. It is unacceptable for the EU to force countries to put their people in such a vulnerable trading position and put so many livelihoods at risk.
The unfairness of the world trading system already has detrimental effects for the poor. These Economic Partnership Agreements would make the possibility of them using trade to get out of poverty even less likely.
Access to these markets is essential for the development of poor countries. It is unacceptable for the EU to force countries to put their people in such a vulnerable trading position and put so many livelihoods at risk.
The unfairness of the world trading system already has detrimental effects for the poor. These Economic Partnership Agreements would make the possibility of them using trade to get out of poverty even less likely.
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