WIDE+ joins Latin American Medellin Declaration on Business and Human Rights
During a regional forum on business and human rights held in Medellin, Colombia, from 28-30 August, 2013, Latin American communities together with regional and international organizations called for justice against the human rights violations of companies. The undersigned groups demand mandatory standards to hold national and transnational corporations accountable for their systematic human rights violations, pollution, exploitation and destruction of territories and natural heritage.
WIDE+ signs letter that calls for a halt to the proposed neo–liberal Trade in Services Agreement
Acting on behalf of powerful corporations in the service industries, som37 countries calling themselves “The Really Good Friends of Services” (RGF) launched secret unofficial talks in 2012 towards drafting a new international trade treaty that would further liberalize trade and investment in services, and expand “regulatory disciplines” on all services sectors, including many public services. Member organizations of the Our World Is Not for Sale (OWINFS) network joined by other CSO’s have sent out a letter that asks to halt negotiations to this radical “free trade” agreement (FTA) on services from coming into existence.
WIDE+ signs statement to call on legal Human Rights instrument to bind TNCs
WIDE+ and some of its members have joined many other social movements and civil society organizations in a statement of support to create a new legal Human Rights instrument for transnational corporations (TNCs).
WIDE+ and CAWN: end persecution of Honduran indigenous leaders
CAWN has written to the Honduran government in solidarity with human rights defenders Berta Cáceres Flores, Aureliano Molina Villanueva and Tomas Gomez Membreño, leaders of the Honduran Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organisations (COPINH). They are being criminalised because of their role defending the human rights of the Lenca indigenous population and are facing unfounded criminal charges. Berta Cáceres has been sentenced to serve time in prison and her colleagues’ freedom of movement has been curtailed.
The Solidarity letter of CAWN has been signed by War on Want, Front Line Defenders and WIDE+. Please feel free to use it to urge the Honduran government to take immediate measures to resolve this grave situation and ensure that these human rights defenders can continue their vital work.
To find all letters and further information: