Say no to unfair trade deals with Africa

Unpublished

Africa needs fair trade now

Tell the Dáil why you won't accept unfair trade deals with Africa.

Demand that Irish politicians withhold their approval of new and unfair trade agreements between Europe and Africa.

Unfair trade is causing hunger: Demand that Ireland does not approve harmful trade agreements with Africa.

Ireland is being asked to approve new trading agreements between the EU and a number of Eastern and Southern African countries. Irish TDs have a unique opportunity to withhold their support for these agreements in their current form. These agreements will have a devastating impact on the African countries involved, jeopardising the jobs, incomes and food security of some of the world’s poorest people

With our partner Comhlamh we are asking that you:

Demand Irish TDs withhold their approval of these agreements by taking the action below now!

More information on EPAs

Letter Campaign

Your message will be sent to: *

Michael Woods, Frank Fahey, Michael Noonan, Mj Nolan, Michael Higgins, Noel O'Flynn, Alan Shatter, John Deasy, Rory O'Hanlon, Sean Ardagh, Darragh O'Brien, Billy Timmins, Maureen O'Sullivan,

Subject:

Message:

Dear Sir/Madam,

On June 16 at the Foreign Affairs Committee you will discuss Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the South African Development Community, the East Africa Community and Eastern and Southern African states. It is my hope that you will withhold your approval of these agreements.

I ask this for two reasons:

1.	The insistence of the EU to conclude negotiations in the absence of agreement with the African countries involved on a range of contentious issues is not fair. Some of the countries involved in these agreements have not yet signed them and are asking for more time to discuss their content. On June 3 2010, the East African Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution urging a halt to the signing of the EU-EAC EPA agreement until revisions are made. So it is not appropriate for Ireland to effectively rubber stamp them.

2.	I am concerned about the negative impact these agreements will have on regional integration in East and Southern Africa and on the jobs, incomes and food security of some of the world’s poorest people.

At a time when Ireland and Europe are responding to the financial, food and energy crises by protecting our industries and markets, it is inappropriate and unjust to be asking that some of the least competitive and poor countries in the world open up their own markets.

It is critical that on June 16 you express your disapproval of these agreements and seek to ensure that poor people’s jobs and livelihoods are protected.

Yours Sincerely,

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Say no to unfair trade deals with Africa

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