11th September: A day of reflection

11 September 2003

Via Campesina activists remember their colleague

We reflected on his conviction that by killing himself he would call attention to the thousands who die around the world every year because of the current trade system. Several Korean vigils were erected including one inside the press centre.

Galan with his
eviction papers

This made us also reflect upon our reasons for being here, and rededicate ourselves to our work. I thought about the fisherman - Galan - I met the other day.

Galan had just been served his eviction papers because he cannot pay his fines for not buying a permit to earn his living.

The system is indeed harsh and unfair.

But others felt stronger.

Explicit consensus?

Several developing countries' reps told a press conference today that they wouldn't negotiate on the so-called "New Issues" - eg harmonising foreign investment policies which would override their existing social and environmental laws.

Previously it had been agreed "New Issues" discussions could only happen with the "explicit consensus" of all those involved.

What exactly this means is unclear.

So after the press conference, Friends of the Earth campaigners began distributing our "explicit consensus" ID necklaces in solidarity. I managed to convince the government delegations of at least eight countries to wear them.

T-shirts, defining explicit consensus, have also appeared . These were snapped up so fast by delegates - that hundreds more will have to be made tomorrow.

Meanwhile, at the daily WTO press conference, the panel were asked if they could define "explicit consensus". They replied that "everyone must agree".

Now we want them to honour that assertion.

The developing countries have rightly put the brakes on rapid expansion of the WTO. If the talks collapse
that is good news: it could open the door to more sustainable trade.

Ricardo Navarro,
Friends of the Earth International Chair

GM and the WTO

While African delegations told the press they wouldn't take GM food, Friends of the Earth International and others launched their own global petition on GM and the WTO - Bite-back.

It was accompanied by tens of clockwork chattering teeth - which raised a few smiles amongst the press.

Britain's own Confederation of British Industry are here, too, of course - on the official delegation no less. They have been seen out and about pushing their free trade wares. Somebody should tell them, and Mr Blair, we don't want their kind of trade. It's time the system worked for the poor and the environment, not against them.

All the best,

Eve

Eve Mitchell, our Corporate Globalisation Campaigner is sending daily updates direct from WTO Ministerial.