Monday, December 5, 2011

WFTO - Fair Trade, Empowerment and Human Rights


When we examine the Principles of Fair Trade and it quickly becomes apparent the intention of Fair Trade is to Empower disadvantaged producers and their communities. The principles reflect business practices free from exploitation; are based on respect for universal human rights, women's rights, child rights, minority and migrant rights, rights of the disabled, and labour rights; embrace gender equality; and incorporate environmentally sound practices. However, the fact remains that for many of our producers their rights are not well known; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains an abstract idea, an international convention far from their immediate reality. 

This year Human Rights day is on Saturday the 10th of December. Join together to celebrate recognition of the very foundation of our Fair Trade Movement and check out the World Fair Trade Article on Human Rights and Fair Trade:



For a downloadable pdf version of the article:




Also, in my last post I challenged Fair Traders around the globe to celebrate this day. Included in that challenge was a poster contest for children to draw their favorite article from the Convention of the Rights of the Child!

Send photos of your winning posters on Child Rights to be published on the Journey for Fair Trade!!!!  

When you have some really great entries select the best, take a photo of the winners and send it to me: journer (at) gmail.com and I will feature your young Fair Trade artists on my blog! Make sure you send me information about the featured artists as well!! Try to limit the number to one to three winners in your event. Entries from anywhere in the world are welcome.  


Join Chou, Little Journey, and I in making the future a better place for all of us; join in the global celebration of Human Rights Day on Saturday, December 10th!

Mitch Teberg, MA 
International Consultant
Sustainable Development / Fair Trade
Researcher / Trainer / Consultant 

Feel free to add your comments, suggestions, and ideas below; or commit to holding a special event on December 10th. 


No comments:

Post a Comment