Global week of action 1 April 2005
Over 10 million people in 80 countries took part in the Global Week of Action - the biggest ever global mobilisation on trade.
Between 10-16 April 2005, people campaigning on trade issues around the world joined together to challenge free trade myths and propose solutions through protests and events.
Protester at the UK's 'Wake Up for Trade Justice' vigil.
Image © Simon Rawles/TJM
Image © Simon Rawles/TJM
Friends of the Earth used the week to highlight the need for more "green" thinking on trade. Friends of the Earth Local Groups held stalls in towns and cities around the UK asking the public to vote for green trade justice. More than 250,000 people in the UK have voted for trade justice since the campaign launch by the Trade Justice Movement last summer.
Protesters descend on Downing Street as
part of the TJM all night vigil on 15 April 2005.
part of the TJM all night vigil on 15 April 2005.
The Global Week of Action culminated in the UK with the Trade Justice Movement's 'Wake Up to Trade Justice' event which was attended by 25 000 people.
Lantern makers at Friends of the Earth's stall.
People visited the Friends of the Earth's stall to splat green a cardboard cut-out of Peter Mandelson (the EU Trade Commissioner), make green lanterns, and vote for green trade justice. Children pelted the 2D lifesize Mandelson with green porridge, while their grannies took the cleaner option of playing our Splat Mandy Green computer game.
Image © Andrew Kendall
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke - who painted a 'Business School for the Dead' banner next to the Friends of the Earth stall - pleased the crowds with an impromptu acoustic set in Westminster Central Hall to show his support for the event.
Image © Andrew Kendall
At midnight, a minute's silence in Whitehall was followed by an explosion of noise designed to wake politicians up to the strength of the movement for trade justice. Afterwards, venues across Westminster hosted music, comedy, films, debates and campaign stalls.
© Global Week of Action 2005
