Alliance for Responsible Trade

1. The struggles of the indigenous communities and poor farmers of Peru lead to the repeal of Legislative Decrees 1015 and 1073

            This past August 22, the Peruvian Congress repealed Legislative Decrees 1015 and 1073, which was a huge victory for indigenous communities and farmers.  After 14 days of street protest, the victory, which favors the indigenous autonomy and integrity, was won by a vote of 69 to 30.  This marks the defeat of two decrees which were necessary for implementation of the Peru-US FTA. 

            In spite of tensions generated due to the state of emergency which the government declared, the mobilizations were carried out to express strong rejection of these and other laws which fail to recognize the need for the communities to be consulted about laws which directly affect them, as stipulated by the National Constitution and other international agreements which Peru has signed.

            Decree 1015, also known as "Law of the Jungle" is an implementing measure for the Peru- US FTA.  Decree 1073 is a modification of decree 1015, which was introduced to overrule the finding of unconstitutionality which was presented by the human rights procurator, and was upheld by the Constitutional Court.   

            The substance of these decrees violates the right to self determination of 1200 indigenous and campesinos, to make decisions regarding their own development.  It also threatens provisions guaranteed under convention 169 of the ILO and the interests and needs of 64 ethnic groups.  Additionally, it would lead to the deterioration of natural resources, and biodiversity in plants and fauna which are native to the Amazonia in this country.  The second decree opens the door to multinationals for land concessions and exploitation, failing to recognize the rights of the indigenous communities.  For these reasons, the social movements in all of the countries of Latin America are in solidarity with this struggle of the communities in Peru.

2. The Doha Round

            Since the recent failure of the Doha Round in Geneva last month, there are many dilemmas, questions and challenges faced by countries looking for multilateral commercial agreements which support development. The panorama which this Round opened leads to a questioning as to the possibilities, advantages and disadvantages of bilateral negotiations inside and outside of the WTO.  For some, it provided the possibility of regional integration and the world emergence and for others the opportunity to consolidate bilateral treaties.

            The cards and wagers that were played in the framework of the failed negotiations, both by developing and rich countries, brought to the forefront new rules and scenarios in the correlation of forces for negotiations, which are not only commercial, but also very political, in an attempt to reach agreements. 

            The role played by ‘emerging countries' such as Brazil generated serious concerns in the context of the South American integration initiatives which are growing in strength.  And, persistence continues from powerful countries such as the U.S., which is now calling for a renewal of negotiations during the month of September.  

            On the world scene the theme of migration continues to recur, for its excesses and inherent vindications.  While multilateral agreements demand a dignified, ordered and agile repatriation, (such as those signed with Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua in 2006), the US has recently adopted repressive measures in the automatic deportation program.  This is in stark contrast to the so called ‘right to mobilization' which has been promoted by the democratic states. 

            The presidents of Mexico and Honduras issued a pronouncement demanding just treatment for immigrants, at a meeting a week ago.  On August 22, a group of activists from Chicago announced in a press conference the many abuses which millions of immigrants are subjected to in the U.S., thanks to the new "Scheduled Departure Program" which has resulted in a "hunt" where force is used during workplace raids. 

            One month prior to the III Social Forum on Migrations, the critical situation for migrants has become even more serious.  In addition to measures carried out in the U.S., the European Union, is moving in the direction of something which President Correa recently referred to (in the framework of the Andean Community of Nations) as the criminalization of free movement. 

 Read more (in Spanish):

- The Presidents of México and Honduras call for just treatment of immigrants:

            In August, the Bloque Popular of Honduras, which includes about 50 social organizations, began a campaign calling for Honduras to become a part of ALBA.  As a result of a series of actions, promotion, a popular call and mobilizations the government has expressed the political will to participate in this integration initiative.  Honduras will sign an agreement with Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, all members of ALBA.

            The arguments for joining are focused on looking for mechanisms of cooperation to promote trade between member countries, regional integration based on principles of solidarity, justice and equity.  The ALBA was launched in 2004 as an initiative between Venezuela and Cuba, as a counterproposal to the now failed Free Trade Area of the Americas FTAA, which the U.S. was promoting. 

            Despite opposition, the President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya considers that this adhesion will offer the possibility of commercial interchange that will increase the energy security and food sovereignty of Honduras.  For this reason, the social movements of Honduras celebrate and support this opportunity.