Press release - 16 June, 2004
Greenpeace, Oxfam, Third World Network (TWN) and Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) today called on Ministers arriving at the eleventh UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XI) to ensure that global corporations do not undermine sustainable development. The environment and development groups demanded that Ministers resist attempts by the United States to water down existing government commitments to make corporations accountable and liable for their actions worldwide.
Corporate accountability has become one of the main contentious
issues at the UNCTAD meeting in Sao Paulo, with the US aiming to
undermine a commitment to actively promote corporate accountability
made by more than 100 Heads of States and Governments at the
Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.
Developing countries are calling for international rules for global
corporations to ensure they effectively contribute to development.
The European Union has so far failed to defend the World Summit
agreement, calling into question their commitment to sustainable
development. Oxfam, Greenpeace, TWN and FoEI call on developing
countries to stand firm on corporate accountability and on the EU
to actively support the developing countries` stance.
Daniel Mittler, corporate campaigner at Greenpeace International
said: " UNCTAD must not be held hostage by a corporate-driven US
administration hell-bent on undermining multilateral commitments to
advance rights for people and the environment."
Sander van Bennekom of Oxfam said: "The financial, technological
and political powers of multinational corporations surpass those of
many countries, especially in the developing world. Corporate
accountability is absolutely imperative to ensure a balance in
today's global economy."
UNCTAD XI acknowledges that corporations play a key role in the
development process. Oxfam, TWN, Greenpeace and FoEI demand that
governments impose responsibilities that match this power. UN
studies show that voluntary initiatives are not sufficient to
ensure equitable and environmentally friendly development (www.unrisd.org).
"UNCTAD must move forward from Johannesburg and propose binding
multilateral regulations for international corporations" said Meena
Raman from Friends of the Earth International.