Home > The process of negotiating, ratifying, and
implementing so-called "free" trade agreements like the DR-CAFTA
is out of control, and the time has come to say "enough is enough!"
Congress and all elected officials must demand a new approach and should be
required to make their positions on trade clear and unambiguous so that people
in the United States will know where they stand. With the Pledge for Trade
Justice, we are demanding that our public officials start working toward a
more just and equitable system. And there is an alternative. Public officials
such as the representatives who have already signed the Pledge are vowing
to press this administration and future ones for just agreements that support
sustainable development goals and equity for all. For reports on the impact of DR-CAFTA
during the first months of implementation, click
here. (for background info on each point of the
pledge, go
here) Ask your elected officials and other
notable figures to take the Pledge for Trade Justice Pledge - I will only support trade agreements that include: 1.) Democratic participation, accountability and transparency
during trade negotiations; 2.) Provisions that work to protect the dignified lives of
small farmers, indigenous communities, women and otherwise vulnerable populations; 3.) Text in the body of the agreements guaranteeing that core
labor and environmental standards are strengthened, as defined by international
law; 4.) Space for national governments to pursue development strategies
that support sustainable, locally-determined economic, social and environmental
priorities; 5.) Provisions permitting debt cancellation and aid to be
used in direct service to the poor to help close the gaps between and within
rich and poor countries; 6.) A framework that focuses finance and investment on productive,
long-term development that ensures economic security and sustainable use of
resources; 7.) A guarantee that public services like health care, education
and potable water will remain public and accessible to poor communities; and 8.) International trade and investment systems that emphasize
fundamental human rights, in order to eclipse violence and oppression.No More CAFTAs
Pledge for Trade Justice!
