WTO branded bio-hazard zone

1 May 2004

Campaigners declare the area outside the WTO HQ a bio-hazard area

It forms part of an ongoing campaign against a complaint to the WTO filed by the United States (US), Canada and Argentina. They claim that the European Union's cautious approach to GM is an illegal barrier to free trade.

During the protest more than 100,000 signatures collected in 90 countries were handed in to the WTO. This clearly demonstrates that people believe it should not undermine the right of any government to protect its citizens and the environment from GM food.

The signatories included:

• Archbishop Desmond Tutu
• French small farmers' leader Jose Bové
• Conservative Shadow Minister Oliver Letwin

More than 500 organisations also signed up representing 48 million people.

Boxes of signatures opposing the dispute are handed in to the WTO

Individuals around the world have signed up to send a clear message to the WTO - take your hands off our food! The WTO has no right to impose GM crops and food on any country. We will not be bullied by the United States, biotech companies or the WTO.

Eve Mitchell, Trade Campaigner,
Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Earth wants the US, Canada and Argentina to drop their WTO complaint.

What could happen?

If the US wins the dispute the EU will either face economic sanctions or must accept more GM food.

Such a ruling would also make it more difficult for developing countries to protect their citizens from risks associated with GM crops and foods. But biotech corporations would benefit by easier access to new markets, particularly in the South.

Friends of the Earth believes that decisions concerning the regulation of international trade in GM organisms should be made in accordance with the UN Biosafety Protocol and not by the WTO.

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