U.S. INTERFAITH TRADE
JUSTICE CAMPAIGN

As consumers, we rarely consider the effect of our purchasing decisions on the livelihoods of small farmers, the rights of women and children, wages or working conditions, or the sustainability of the environment. People of faith are raising questions about how the daily decisions they make in the marketplace affect others around the world. Our Scriptures call for justice in all human relationships - especially justice for the vulnerable and impoverished.

How does trade affect people in poverty?

	Alternatives to current trade rules could help eradicate poverty, allow small farmers to grow food for their families, and increase family income - making it possible for more children to attend school and receive basic health care.

Richer and more powerful nations involved in trade are much better placed to deal with the negative effects that come from rapid change in a global trading system. Unfortunately, the unregulated opening up of international trade, while benefiting some, has had harmful consequences for millions of people in poverty - and for the environment.

International trade rules could be the answer to making trade work for the poor rather than against them - but at the moment they often do the opposite. Trade rules destroy livelihoods and create misery for hundreds of poor and vulnerable people all over the world.

• Current trade rules encourage countries to produce export crops, often at the expense of local food production.
  New rules are needed that balance the benefits of exporting with the need to produce food for local people.
• Current trade rules force small-scale farmers in developing countries to compete on the open market with large transnational companies. New rules are needed which recognize that poor farmers and powerful companies sometimes need to be treated differently.
• Current trade policies and practices weaken democratic processes. Rich countries and transnational companies determine the rules that give them the benefits. Poor countries and communities have little or no voice in decisions that affect their daily lives and livelihoods.
• Unfair policies are creating barriers to essential services such as clean water, health care, and education.
• Trade policies are causing unfair working conditions, downward pressure on wages, unsafe working environments and growing unemployment.
• Current trade practices threaten many indigenous cultures by contributing to loss of land, language, religion and ethnic identity.

There is Another Way Next>