PHA-Exchange> WTO Ministerial: NGO Human Rights Caucus Press Release - Hong Kong Deal on Collision Course with Human Rights

[Davinia Ovett]

NGO HUMAN RIGHTS CAUCUS

 

Hong Kong Deal on Collision Course with Human Rights

 

Hong Kong, December 19, 2005:  The WTO deal reached in Hong Kong yesterday
will rollback the enjoyment of human rights around the world, says a
coalition of more than 50 human rights and other NGOs.  

 

This failure to achieve a true development outcome is a direct consequence
of the WTO members’ refusal to acknowledge the impact of trade policy on
human rights.  

 

Despite the announcement of a “development package,” the agreement further
restricts the policy space required for national governments to implement
their human rights obligations, which are integral to development.

 

Many developing countries have complained of political pressure exerted by
developed country capitals to give further concessions on services and
non-agricultural market access (NAMA) in exchange for a limited compromise
on agriculture and an illusory deal on access to medicines.

 

Developing countries are being forced to choose between putting food on the
table and providing adequate healthcare for their people, Caucus members
emphasized.  Access to adequate food, health and education are all human
rights and must not become bargaining chips in a power game between unequal
players.

 

These flaws in the decision-making process reflect the need for greater
participation, accountability and transparency at the WTO.

 

The Human Rights Caucus demands that a full independent human rights
assessment of contentious issues be undertaken before any new negotiation
session are scheduled, including an assessment of the international human
rights obligations of developed countries.

 

 

Contact:

Elin Wrzoncki (+852) 9748 6959

Esther Bares (+852) 6307 5937

 

Full text of the statement of the Human Rights Caucus, with endorsements, is
available in English, French and Spanish at  <http://www.dd-rd.ca/>
www.dd-rd.ca

 

 

 

Davinia Ovett

Programme Officer

3D -> Trade - Human Rights - Equitable Economy

15, Rue des Savoises

CH-1205 Genève

Switzerland

Tel: +41 22 320 21 21

Fax: +41 22 320 69 48

Email: dovett at 3dthree.org

Website: www.3dthree.org

 

 

 

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