Make Trade Fair

MakeTradeFair

Make Trade Fair is a global campaign initiated by Oxfam International aimed at promoting fair trade practices and addressing the injustices in global trading systems. The campaign focuses on several key areas including fair prices for farmers and producers in the developing world, the elimination of unfair trade barriers, improving labor conditions, and environmental sustainability. The goal of Make Trade Fair is to create a trade system that empowers the poorest and most vulnerable communities, ensuring that they benefit from global trade.

Background

The Make Trade Fair campaign was launched in the early 2000s as a response to the growing concerns over the negative impacts of globalization and the inequities of international trade. It highlights the challenges faced by producers and workers in developing countries, who often operate under exploitative conditions, receiving low wages and having little to no bargaining power in the global market.

Key Issues

Make Trade Fair addresses several critical issues within the global trade system:

• Fair Trade: Advocating for better prices and working conditions for small-scale farmers and producers.
• Trade Barriers: Campaigning against high tariffs and subsidies that disadvantage producers from developing countries.
• Labor Rights: Promoting improved labor standards, including adequate wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.
• Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging practices that protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of resources.

Campaign Activities

The campaign employs a variety of strategies to achieve its objectives, including public awareness campaigns, lobbying policymakers, and partnering with businesses to promote fair trade products. It also organizes concerts, petitions, and events to engage the public and increase support for fair trade principles.

Impact

Make Trade Fair has contributed to increased awareness and support for fair trade around the world. It has influenced policy changes in favor of more equitable trade practices and has helped improve the lives of countless farmers and workers by ensuring fairer prices and better working conditions.

Criticism

While widely praised for its goals and achievements, the Make Trade Fair campaign has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that fair trade standards can be difficult for some producers to meet, potentially excluding the poorest and most vulnerable. Others contend that the focus on fair trade might not be sufficient to address the systemic issues within the global trade system.

See Also

• Fair Trade
• Oxfam International
• Globalization
• Trade Barriers
• Labor Rights