Dear Global Justice Activist,

The July 2006 collapse of the (multilateral) Doha Round of World Trade Organization negotiations was hailed as a victory in the fight against corporate-led globalization. Yet, Washington's sustained focus on bilateral free trade regimes is equally, if not more, damaging than WTO policies. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have bankrupted farmers, resulted in the loss of millions of jobs, made life-saving medicines unaffordable for people in poor countries, and lowered health, safety and environmental standards.

Ultimately, the bilateral free trade agreements made by our governments aggregate even more power in the hands of already powerful and destructive transnational corporations. FTAs are inevitably accompanied by serious declines in the welfare of citizens. [Learn More]

Take action to stop NAFTA expansion to the Amazon

In the face of WTO failures, in what is essentially a divide-and-rule strategy, the Bush Administration is pushing the failed NAFTA model into the Amazon. In the U.S. Congress free trade extremists such as Rep. Bill Thomas have vowed to bring the US-Peru FTA to vote before the November elections. Furthermore, on August 24, the White House notified Congress of its intent to sign the US-Colombia FTA, giving legislators 90 days to approve it.

Despite widespread opposition in Peru, a lame-duck Peruvian Congress passed the FTA. The people of Peru, nearly half of whom live in poverty, can ill-afford such an economic attack aimed at institutionalizing the uneven rules of free trade regimes. For example, by dumping highly subsidized U.S. farm products into the country, the FTA is expected to destroy Peruvian agriculture on which a third of the population depends.

The US-Peru FTA, by enforcing strict intellectual property rules and raising prices, will also deny poor Peruvians much needed access to life-saving medicines. As with NAFTA, the deregulation of health and safety standards to lure foreign investment (especially in the mining industry in the case of Peru) is certain to further jeopardize public health/safety and create environmental catastrophes.

Call Congress and ask them to oppose free trade deals with Peru and Colombia.

Learn more about the NAFTA expansion to the Amazon

Join peaceful protests in Seattle against the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement

From September 6 to 9, 2006, in Seattle, a 60-member delegation from the Korean Alliance Against Korea-US FTA (KOA) will join hundreds of US activists to protest the 3rd round of FTA negotiations.

The week is filled with joint rallies, press conferences, marches, and workshops, including the Koreans' unique methods of protest that incorporate Buddhist ideals of dedication (sam-bo il-bae ??-step/1-bow??march on 9/8) and Korea?셲 traditional funeral march (on 9/9).

Labor, women, and farmers??groups are at the forefront of these events. One goal of the Seattle protest is to build a lasting, global solidarity against neoliberalism. The only way to form any kind of resistance against the flow of unrestrained capital is to construct an international network of progressive movements. Seattle is a symbolic place for Korean activists, and they are prepared to let their voices be heard.

For South Korea, a free trade agreement with the US, similar to the effects of NAFTA and US and Mexican workers, would mean the loss of millions of jobs, the disappearance of farming families, and the privatization of social services for which the Korean people have fought for many decades. Over 50% of Korea?셲 population opposes this hastily conceived FTA. And the negotiations themselves are undemocratic and non-transparent.

To support or participate in the Seattle actions:
Contact Young Choe at 347-885-9226 or via email at choeyoung@gmail.com

Learn more about the Korean Alliance Against Korea-US FTA.

Thanks, as always, for your efforts to create a just and sustainable world,
Global Exchange

Korea protest photo credit: Hankyoreh News

Artwork: Riniart