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General Analysis NGOs and Social & Economic Justice
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2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | Archived Articles
What Are We For? (September 6, 2001)
Globalization has led to increased poverty, injustice, subordination, anti-solidarity and ecological disasters. New institutions are needed to replace the IMF, the World Bank, and the WTO as they serve strictly the interests of the elite. (ZNet)
Ironically, governments of the industrialized world claim that NGOs are undemocratic because they are not elected. They have thereby tried to divert attention from the legitimate questions protesters raise. But in fact the democratic deficit lies with international capital, not with NGOs in the globalization-reform movement. (Le Monde Diplomatique)2007
Charity Finds that US Food Aid for Africa Hurts Instead of Helps (August 14, 2007)
CARE, a leading humanitarian organization, is refusing US$45 million a year of US food aid after determining that US food aid is not only inefficient but in some cases it also hurts the people it is trying to help. This inefficiency results from the US purchasing food from US farmers, paying US vessels to ship the food overseas, and then donating it to aid groups who sell the food in poor countries to raise money for development projects. CARE argues that this practice hurts local production and in many cases reduces the effects of its development work. Moreover, a CARE representative says, renouncing the money will allow the organization to “candidly address the flaws in the American strategy to combat world hunger.” (International Herald Tribune)Chances of Achieving MDGs "Slim" Without Civil Society (June 28, 2007)
As governments fail to make adequate progress in achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), civil society plays a growing role in promoting the goals. Hundreds of NGO representatives met for the Civil Society Development Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, concentrating their agenda on the two goals of “eradicating poverty and hunger” and “creating a global partnership for development.” ECOSOC President Dalius Cekuolis argues that civil society’s pressure on governments and participation in policy formation are essential in reaching the MDGs; delegates from the forum will present their conclusions at the next high-level ECOSOC meeting. (Inter Press Service)Strength in Numbers for Globalization’s Critics (May 30, 2007)
Although critics of globalization come from a variety of backgrounds – such as environmentalists, church groups, and trade unions – they are “united by one movement” for social change. This Deutsche Welle article argues that anti-globalization activists should acknowledge their work “as being interrelated,” while taking strength from their different perspectives.Securing Autonomy, Retaking the Initiative (January 9, 2007)
Social movements contributed significantly to “cutting off” a majority of Latin America’s right-wing governments, instead empowering more progressive administrations. Yet, while still fighting against the injustices of neoliberal policies, activists appear to have lost their prominence in mobilizing citizens. This Latin America in Movement article concludes that “without pressure from below,” progressive leaders brought to power through such activism will fail to implement necessary social and economic reforms.2006
Multilateral Trading System: Time for a New Approach (June 26, 2006)
This letter to the trade ministers of the World Trade Organization on behalf of 131 organizations worldwide criticizes the Doha Round and suggests that more attention go to public policy priorities. Specifically, the letter finds fault with the undemocratic decision-making process among trade ministers and the overarching tendency to favor rich nations when imposing new trade laws. It proposes a new “aid for trade” plan that addresses adjustment costs and does not demand the liberalization planned under the Doha Round. (Our World Is Not for Sale)Preface to “Global Poverty or Global Justice?” (June 2006)
Looking at structures of power and inequality in the world, this preface discusses obstacles to and prospects for achieving global justice. The lack of international democratic processes and institutions greatly impedes global justice, but it conveniently suits the interests of the “present masters of mankind.” However, the author argues, great promise lies with the “global justice movement.” The author finds encouragement in tendencies such as a growing realization worldwide of neoliberalism’s injustices, the increasing ease with which global justice alliances can form, and mounting support for global taxation as a source of funding for development projects. (Transnational Institute)Promises and Actions: How Can Civil Society Monitor International and National Commitments (February 27, 2006)
The article explores how NGOs monitor government action on the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). In respons to national MDG reports, NGO coalitions have produced "shadow reports" that often point out how governments fail to implement programs and overstate their achievements. This monitoring helps mobilize citizens, including the poorest and most excluded. (CIVICUS)2005
Poverty Campaigners Take On War Spending (October 18, 2005)
On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a group of established NGOs launched a new initiative called "Global Priorities." The group is the first in the campaign for social and economic justice to specifically take on the major discrepancies between military and humanitarian spending worldwide. In an event launching the initiative, former US Secretary of Defense Lawrence Korb stated that at least $60 billion of the US military budget could be redirected to the campaign against poverty, “without having less security.” (Inter Press Service)Keeping the Spotlight on Geneva (August 16, 2005)
The Geneva People’s Alliance will strategize ways to mobilize an NGO campaign against trade liberalization in the weeks leading up to the October General Council meeting of the WTO. Although NGOs based in Geneva play an important role in this mobilization, the movement for economic justice must foster cooperation with southern hemisphere NGOs to grow in numbers and effectiveness. (Focus on the Global South)People Power Rattling Politics of Latin America (April 29, 2005)
A May 1, 2005 demonstration in Mexico City marked one of the largest “people power” movements in the country as citizens turned out to support a leftist politician and presidential hopeful, reports the Christian Science Monitor. With more technology and a better grasp on being “democratic and independent,” Latin American citizens have asserted their opinions from Mexico to Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua. The activism marks great progress from when most Latin American dictatorships fell, says this author.The Ethical Revolution Sweeping Through the World's Sweatshops (April 16, 2005)
After a decade of adamant attempts to deny any wrongdoing, multinational clothing companies like Nike and Gap are beginning to admit that they have abused and exploited their workers. At the same time, anti-sweatshop activists have moved away from organizing boycotts and demonstrations, and now co-operate more with companies and labor unions to improve the conditions and increase the pay of apparel workers. (Independent)People Power Gets to G7 (February 3, 2005)
British demonstrators effectively set poverty reduction as the main agenda for the G7 finance ministers’ meeting by using the political muscle of Nelson Mandela, who called for increased international aid, debt relief and trade justice at a London rally. The British “Make Poverty History” campaign joins the Global Campaign for Action Against Poverty as “one of the most powerful movements ever to gather against world poverty,” reports Inter Press Service.More than 1,000 NGOs Launch Anti-Poverty Appeal at Porto Alegre (January 27, 2005)
The 2005 World Social Forum has made “a priority of an issue such as poverty,” said Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva as he and over 1,000 NGOs called for increased efforts towards the UN’s Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015. Activists support better trade relations, debt cancellation, more development aid and transparent national policies. They also urged citizens to wear white ribbons to represent hunger, the “silent tsunami” that kills millions in Africa and Asia each year. (Agence France Presse)2004
Wangari Maathai: Nobel Lecture (December 10, 2004)
Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai argues that NGOs lead change in societies that face poverty and political corruption by mobilizing a critical mass of citizens to build social justice. Maathai describes how the Green Belt Movement in Kenya taught rural communities how to drive development rather than rely on “outside” solutions to their problems. Under President Daniel arap Moi’s corrupt rule, Green Belt participants built community relationships and aided peaceful transition to democracy in Kenya. (Nobelprize.org)Where Have All the Protesters Gone? (October 4, 2004)
YaleGlobal argues that the lack of protesters during the 2004 World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings does not mean the incorrectly labeled “anti-globalization movement” has deteriorated. On the contrary, the global justice and peace movements have merged and supporters have subsequently shifted attitudes on effective tactics.A Milestone in the Global Struggle Against Injustice and War (September 17, 2004)
In a speech to the Beirut International Assembly of Anti-War and Anti-Globalization Movements, Walden Bello says the “perpetual peace” that globalization supporters once envisioned does not reflect the world today. Instead, he says, global peace depends on the world freeing itself from the grasp of imperially-inclined states, removing corporate self-interest from the economy, and including Arab contingents in the global justice movement. (Transnational Institute)We the Peoples 2004 – A Call to Action for the UN Millennium Declaration (September 8, 2004)
This joint North-South Institute and World Federation of United Nations Associations report draws upon “civil society” responses from the 2004 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) survey. The responders—most of which already actively advocate the goals—believe MDGs offer promise without change. In a post-9/11 world focused more on security than development, the report says civil society must step up action by campaigning, monitoring progress and interacting with different constituencies.Louder than Words (August 5, 2004)
Mark Curtis, head of the World Development Movement, argues that it is time for the global justice movement to move away from “traditional campaigning” and instead engage in “peaceful direct action.” He asserts that many NGOs spend too much time on government lobbying “and not enough telling their supporters that government is part of the problem." (Guardian)Barricades and Boardrooms: A Contemporary History of the Corporate Accountability Movement (June 7, 2004)
Arguing that corporate power undermines world development, this paper examines the emergence of a corporate accountability movement and analyzes its effectiveness over the last decade. The paper also identifies challenges facing the movement such as the weak relationship between Northern and Southern groups. (United Nations Research Institute for Social Development)Abortion Activists on the March (April 26, 2004)
Hundreds of thousands of US and foreign activists rallied in Washington, forming the biggest abortion rights demonstration in 12 years. Foreign activists came to highlight the impact of US policies, such as the “global gag rule,” on women in poor countries. The global gag rule prohibits non-governmental groups that perform abortions or offer counseling on abortion from receiving US government funding. (BBC)
At IMF Meeting, Optimism Inside, Outrage Outside (April 25, 2004)
NGOs organized large demonstrations in Washington at the IMF and World Bank’s 60th anniversary in April. The protesters demanded that the Bretton Woods Institutions cancel the debts of poor countries, end their support of environmentally-damaging projects, and conduct open meetings. (LA Times)NGOs Call to End EU-US Carve-Up of the IMF and World Bank (March 26, 2004)
NGOs are calling on the IMF and World Bank to end the tradition of appointing Europeans and US citizens to the Institution’s top posts, while excluding candidates from poor countries. NGOs argue that the process is not in line with the Institution’s recommendations to its borrowers of transparency and good governance. (Jubilee Debt Campaign)Activists Target IMF, World Bank on Their 60th Birthday (March 17, 2004)
The collapse of the WTO meeting in Cancun and the FTAA talks in Miami fuelled global justice activists with optimism. However, this Common Dreams article argues that the IMF and World Bank “remain tougher nuts to crack.” After sixty years in existence and ten years of extensive lobbying by activist groups, little has changed in these institutions.Nobel Laureates and Hundreds of NGOs Urge Wolfensohn to Change World Bank Practices (February 12, 2004)
In Fall 2000 World Bank President James Wolfensohn initiated a review of the Bank’s role in the extractive industries, such as mining. A draft copy of the World Bank’s managements report that leaked in February 2004 indicated that the Bank veered away from a commitment to adopt changes recommended by the report. Activists and over 300 international NGOs now urge Wolfensohn to accept and adopt the report’s recommendations. (CEE Bankwatch Network)NGOs File Civil Lawsuit against Government’s Pro-IMF Policies (February 6, 2004)
Three NGOs filed a lawsuit against Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, arguing that Megawati had violated a public mandate which demanded the government “ to end all agreements with the IMF by the end of 2003.” According to the plaintiffs, the IMF’s structural adjustment programs had worsened the country's economic condition and social welfare. (Jakarta Post)
2003
“Free Trade” Takes a Dive in Miami (December 2, 2003)
Fearing that Latin American countries would demolish the US vision of creating a “Free Trade Area of the Americas,” the US government agreed to a compromise allowing the parties to opt in or out of each provision of the treaty. Though claiming this as a victory for the global justice movement, 50 Years is Enough urges poor countries to resist US pressure in bilateral negotiations.Activists Pan FTAA 'Consultations' (November 19, 2003)
US officials view the invitation for NGOs to participate in the Americas Trade and Sustainable Development Forum as ''unprecedented.'' Many NGOs see the participation proposal as a symbolic interaction, not as a serious attempt to include their voices in the decision- making process. (Inter Press Service)God of Free Trade (November 13, 2003)
Religious groups join human rights organizations and trade unions in resisting the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). They believe that any economy must serve humanity and respect the fundamental rights of people. As this ethical approach directs their struggle for a fairer world order, their fight becomes a fight “against the God of the Market.” (TomPaine)Citizen Groups, Governments, Seek Scaled Back FTAA at Miami Ministerial (November 2003)
Since 1990, the US has continuously pushed toward the creation of a Free Trade Area of the Americas. Both the North American FTA of 1993 and the planned Central American FTA liberalize trade between countries of vastly different levels of development. NGOs fear the FTAA will reproduce those agreements, without including measures to reduce asymmetries. (Foreign Policy in Focus)Victory in Miami? Focusing Global Justice Efforts Beyond FTAA (November 2003)
This Foreign Policy in Focus article looks at the US administration’s “economic nationalism.” The article provides recommendations to the global justice movement on how to respond to the administration’s approach to globalization.Another World Is Possible (November 2003)
Supporters view World Social Forums as “assemblies of a changing society” while critics view them as a threat. This Le Monde Diplomatique article analyzes the counter-globalization movement and the effectiveness of its forums.Protesters Defend Cause at Trade Talks (September 12, 2003)
Activists ask not to confuse isolated violence at WTO meetings with the whole anti globalization movement. Unfair media coverage and extreme security measures detracts attention from their message. (Washington Post)Why We Protest (September 10, 2003)
Mobilization for Global Justice presented demands to the IMF and the World Bank, such as making the two institutions more transparent and canceling the debt of poor countries. The claims voice concerns of labor unions, debt campaigners, environmentalists and other members of the international justice movement.(Washington Post)Why We Rage at the WTO (July 29, 2003)
An anti-WTO protester in Montreal says the demonstrators should focus on “the violence on the world economic system,” and not commit acts of anger that undermine the message of the entire movement. (Globe and Mail /Canada)Central American Migrants Take Action on Trade and Regional Integration (July 13, 2003)
The neo-liberal economic model of the proposed Central American Free Trade Area has already failed to create dignified economic opportunities for the majority of Central Americans, and has provoked many to emigrate North in search of employment. (America Program)Many Movements, One Space (June 30, 2003)
The World Social Forum brings together a wide diversity of movements from across the globe that aim to provide alternatives to neo-liberalism. By following a series of common goals, participants have the potential to create social change. (OneWorld)Long Before Seattle: Historical Antecedents to the Current Global Justice Movement and Lessons for Increasing Movement Effectiveness (June 25, 2003)
This article looks at historical examples of mass social movements, such as the international movement for workers’ rights in the mid-19th century. Pointing to “continuity between past social movements and the current global justice movement,” the author urges activists to learn from these historic examples. (United for a Fair Economy)Protesters Quietly Decry 'Frankenfood' (June 24, 2003)
Protesters gather to oppose the use of genetically modified foods, as the US pressures Europe to accept bioengineered food at the international conference on farm technology in Sacramento. (Los Angeles Times)Protesters Refuse to Be Intimidated as Biker Thugs Lead Fight Against Reform (June 17, 2003)
Iranian officials blame the US for six days of protests in Teheran, which involved a cross-section of society. Widespread frustration makes further social unrest likely. (Times Online)The Sound of the Soul (May 2003)
North and South American elites eager to sign a free trade agreement for the region may have met their match in the mountains of Bolivia, where a growing social movement has firmly rejected neo-liberal integration. (New Internationalist)NGOs Visualize a Just World - Without G8 (May 30, 2003)
A variety of NGOs argue that G8 lacks legitimacy to rule over the world affairs. They organized a counter-summit to the G8 meeting to provide a more efficient forum of discussion of the global issues. (Inter Press Service)Civil Society Key to Helping Promote Development Goals, UN Official Says (May 27, 2003)
NGOs play a vital role in bridging the gap between international policy makers and local communities. Working with civil society can help people understand that in many ways “the global interest is the national interest.” (UN News Center)Stop Privatizing Water, NGOs Tell Developed Countries (May 27, 2003)
More than 100 NGOs require the members of G8 to stop pressuring the developing countries to privatize their water resources. They argue that privatizing water opens a profitable market for European corporations but harms the developing nations. (OneWorld)Elections vs. Democracy in Argentina (May 8, 2003)
Both candidates for the 2003 Argentinean presidential elections embody the neoliberal establishment. Argentinean citizens have openly opposed this group since the 2001 mass demonstrations against the IMF, political corruption, and economic liberalization. Members of progressive social movements boycotted the elections, calling them a “farce.” (Nation)NGOs Criticize US Nuclear Weapons Policies (May 1, 2003)
US policy aims to make nuclear weapons more credible by designing more 'useable' nuclear weapons and by integrating them into a broad spectrum of military capabilities. NGOs argue that this policy threatens the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (UN Wire)Central American Deal a Dud, Activists Say (April 10, 2003)
NGOs argue that the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), negotiated between the US and five Central American countries, fails to help farmers overcome poverty. The activist groups urge the six governments to modify the agreement through more inclusive negotiations with civil society and union groups. (Inter Press Service)Rights of Protesters Violated, Says Amnesty (March 30, 2003)
Authorities in many nations respond with excessive force to peaceful anti-war demonstrations. Amnesty International has released a report detailing violations of protesters’ rights in 14 countries, ranging from Yemen to the US. (Inter Press Service)NGOs Say “No” to Investment Agreement at WTO (March 21, 2003)
Over 50 NGOs call on governments to reject a WTO investment agreement at the Cancun negotiations in September 2003. The agreement restricts government’s ability to regulate the actions of foreign multinational companies, causing concern that local communities will be exploited. (Third World Network)People Profit from Trade (March 19, 2003)
Global justice activists are beginning to highlight how global inequality, exploitation, militarism, and US economic dominance work hand in hand, melding the "anti-globalization" and anti-war movements. US President Bush hinted at those connections when he attacked critics of free trade in his nationally televised pre-war press conference. (ZNet)World Water Forum Sets Sights on “Greater Goal” (March 17, 2003)
Delegates at the World Water Forum will not allow the Iraq crisis to sidetrack talks on diminishing water resources caused by population growth, pollution and climate change. They believe water preservation is more crucial to humankind in the 21st century than the Iraq crisis or any other political issue. (OneWorld)Beware War, Greed and Nationalism, Warns Roy (March 12, 2003)
In an interview with South Africa’s Daily News, acclaimed author Arudhati Roy explores the interconnectedness of corporate globalization, the war on terror and the rise of nationalist and religious fascism. She posits that individuals have both the opportunity and the power to oppose these powerful forces.Administration Allows Release Of Chile Text, Ousts NGOs From TEPAC (February 7, 2003)
A US District Court ordered the Bush administration to release documents from its free trade agreement with Chile to the public, but the court exempted documents relating to environmental commitments. The administration also ousted Friends of the Earth, which helped bring the case against the US, from the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee. (Inside US Trade)Globalization and its Critics: An Examination of the “Anti-Globalization Movement” (January 2003)
This paper from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) describes the historical processes that shaped the global justice movement and the challenges it faces in the future. It also outlines the goals and ideas driving the worldwide coalition of civil society groups in advocating a more equitable global economy and accountable global governance.
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