Faith Informs
Perspectives on CAFTA
Central American Bishops Visit
Washington, DC
Five bishops from Central America visited
Washington, DC on June 23rd and 24th to speak
with members of Congress, stimulate public debate,
and meet with non-governmental organizations
on CAFTA.
Alvaro Ramazzini, Bishop of San Marcos, Guatemala,
Gregorio Rosa Chavez, Auxiliary Bishop of San
Salvador, David Zywiec, Bishop of Bluefields,
Nicaragua, Carlos Maria Ariz, Bishop of Colon,
Panama, and Angel San Casimirio Fernandez, Bishop
of Ciudad Quesada, Costa Rica participated in
public meetings to present their concerns about
the agreement. The Bishops questioned the type
of development offered by the current trade
model, asking if maquilas will resolve the economic
woes of their countries. Calling for transparency
in the negotiations, the bishops pointed out
the structural barriers to civic participation,
such as weak infrastructure, the lack of viable
economic options for the poor, and few educational
opportunities. Yet Bishop Rosa Chavez suggested
that, without greater open dialogue on free
trade, there will be street violence and unrest
in the region.
The Bishops spoke directly with Congresspersons
to discuss their concerns about the treaty as
it is written and to offer their suggestions
for more equitable relations between the United
States and Central America. In many of their
presentations, they stated their encouragement
for Central American policy-makers to invite
a broader range of constitutents into the debate
to ensure understanding on the agricultural,
labor, intellectual property and environmental
issues included in CAFTA.
Five Principles from the Interfaith Statement
on International Trade and Investment And Reflections
on Whether CAFTA Measures Up
Principle 1: International
trade and investment systems should respect
and support the dignity of the human person,
the integrity of creation, and our common humanity.
The
Interfaith Working Group on International
Trade and Investment includes representatives
of a broad spectrum of religious institutions
and faith-based organizations in the United
States. The Working Group offers the Statement
on International Trade and Investment as a
basis of study, debate and action in synagogues,
churches, temples, shrines, mosques, meetinghouses
and all places of worship.
For further information on the Interfaith
Working Group, see: www.tradejusticeusa.org
CAFTA fails to provide sustainable ways of
lifting people out of poverty; instead, it
proposes employment in the maquilas as a panacea.
CAFTA fails to address concerns in the agricultural
sector.
Principle 2: International
trade and investment activities should advance
the common good and be evaluated in the light
of their impact on those who are most vulnerable.
CAFTA will exacerbate the gap between rich
and poor in Central America, creating increased
migration and greater economic distress for
those at the bottom.
Principle 3: International
trade and investment policies should be transparent
and involve the meaningful paticipation of the
most vulnerable stakeholders.
CAFTA negotiations have been conducted by
trade representatives and legislators behind
closed doors without adequate participation
of campesinos, laborers, women, indigenous
and minority groups, or the organizations
who represent them.
Principle 4: International
trade and investment systems should respect
the legitimate role of government, in collaboration
with civil society, to set policies regading
the development and welfare of its people.
CAFTA promotes an United States-centered
trade agenda. Negotiations have failed to
incorporate the voices of Central or North
American civil society as part of the debate.
Principle 5: International
trade and investment systems should safeguard
the global commons and respect the right of
local communities to protect and sustainably
develop their natural resources.
CAFTA will permit corporate entities to
patent flora native to the region. Indigenous
and local peoples who have traditionally used
plants in medicinal remedies may lose their
rights to them for their own needs.
Faith Justice Reflections
If you have resources that connect faith with
work for justice, particularly in Central America
and on trade issues, let us know. We would be
pleased to include reflections in upcoming materials
on faith and justice or to reprint submissions
here.
Advocacy for Justice
The Bishops’ visit emphasized the importance
of action as fruit of our beliefs. The members
of the House of Respresentatives are in their
districts from June 30-July 4 and again from
July 26-September 3 for District Work Periods.
Call now to request a meeting with your Representative.
Further Dialogue in Churches on CAFTA
On the heels of the Bishops’ visit to
the United States, it will be important for
parishes and other diocesan groups to continue
the conversation on CAFTA in their communities
of faith.
Contact Information
The SHARE Foundation: Building
a New El Salvador Today 415 Michigan Avenue,
NE Washington, DC 20017 Telephone: 202.319.5542
Fax: 202.319.5541
Contact Dave Johnson at: dave@share-elsalvador.org.
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