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April 09, 2005
This Week's Good Idea - Vote for Trade Justice
Vote here.
Many poor countries are suffering as a result of international trade policies. Harmful policies are imposed on poor countries, while subsidised goods from the West swamp their economies and destroy the lives of many poor people around the world.
For example, cotton is the main export crop of Burkina Faso, my second home, and the third poorest country in the world. International “free trade” rules have forced Burkina to stop subsidising her cotton production. But the US continues to illegally subsidise cotton, which then undercuts the cotton from Burkina.
Forced free trade on Burkina’s cotton industry, combined with American cotton subsidies, has been destroying the livelihoods of poor farmers in Burkina. We prevent Burkina from working herself out of poverty. And then we make ourselves feel better by giving aid - although this aid does not even cover what we take away through unjust trade.
A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. (Prov 13:23)
It is not only the US of course. The EU and Japan are also heavily subsidising their agriculture, while the IMF, World Bank, and WTO are in drastic need of reform.
As part of MakePovertyHistory, many organisations, such as Christian Aid, World Vision, and Tear Fund are supporting the Vote for Trade Justice. Read more about the issues surrounding trade justice here.
What Vote for Trade Justice is calling for:
1. Rules to allow poor countries to choose solutions to end poverty
2. End trade subsidies that destroy the livelihoods of poor people.
3. Laws to stop big business profiting at the expense of the poor.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy (Proverbs 31: 8)
This week, I will be posting short meditations and prayers each day as we think about how we can respond to the need for justice for the poor in the international market place.
This week's good idea: Vote for Trade Justice
Posted by Keith at April 9, 2005 10:53 AM
