Trade trouble in the Pacific: Oxfam takes concerns to Pasifika

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The European Commission is pushing the world's poorest countries, including those in the Pacific, to sign Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU by the end of the year. As currently proposed, these trade agreements will make the lives of 750 million people in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific worse, not better.

But it's not too late.

This weekend Oxfam will be at Pasifika, encouraging festival-goers to add their voices to a petition to Make Trade Fair for our Pacific neighbours. The petition is taking the form of traditional garlands and will join petition garlands that are being launched in Pacific countries.

"Trade can reduce hardship in the Pacific," says Oxfam Executive Director Barry Coates. "But unfair trade rules being pushed on Pacific countries will make the lives of millions of people in the Pacific worse, not better. Pacific trade negotiators must not be forced into signing away the jobs, lands, traditions and rights of Pacific people."

Oxfam has been working with Pacific nations over the past years, to help ensure development-friendly agreements on economic partnerships, and Oxfam is now calling on the New Zealand public to support a fair deal for our Pacific neighbours.

"Most kiwis have strong ties with the Pacific," says Coates. "It's time to stand together and demand that the EU work towards an agreement which will ensure the livelihoods of Pacific people who depend on trade."

Oxfam will also be taking the campaign to WOMAD, the following weekend.

ENDS

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