Fair Trade

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United Nations, Voices of Youth: “Fair trade, or alternative trade, refers to the exchange of goods based on principles of economic and social justice. The purpose of Fair Trade is to empower low-income artisans and farmers to improve their conditions, and to promote understanding between them and people of developed regions. This is done by paying a fair wage; providing equal opportunities for all people; engaging in environmentally sustainable practices; building long-term trade relationships; and providing healthy and safe working conditions as well as financial and technical assistance to workers whenever possible.”

Make Poverty History: “Trade rules control how countries do business with each other. They are agreed at an international level and are supposed to ensure nations compete openly and fairly. In reality they don't. That's because the rules are rigged - loaded in favour of the wealthiest countries and their business interests. So no matter how hard people work in the developing world, or how much their countries produce, trade relationships benefit wealthy countries the most.”

United Nations Millennium Campaign: “The Millennium Goals represent a global partnership for development. The deal makes clear that it is the primary responsibility of poor countries to work towards achieving the first seven Goals. They must do their part to ensure greater accountability to citizens and efficient use of resources. But for poor countries to achieve the first seven Goals, it is absolutely critical that rich countries deliver on their end of the bargain with more and more effective aid, more sustainable debt relief and fairer trade rules, well in advance of 2015.”

Christian Aid: “The world's 50 poorest countries have less than 3% of the vote at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an institution which, along with the World Bank, decides how money should be lent to poor countries – and under what conditions.”

Fair Trade Association of Australia: “Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade. It is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing rights of, marginalised producers and workers - especially in low-income regions.” Their website has education materials and posters to download.

Oxfam Australia: “Trade has the power to generate incredible wealth, and elevate people out of poverty. So why then, are millions of people still so poor? ”

Stir (World Vision): “Encouraging trade instead of dependence on handouts is a fantastic way to help poorer communities improve living conditions. But what happens when trade involves blackmail, rip-offs and duress.”

Generation Why (Oxfam): “Farming feeds us all - over two billion people depend on it for their living. Yet it is in crisis as a result of the actions of rich governments and big business that control the rules of trade. Instead of enabling hundreds of millions of people in the world’s poorest countries to help themselves out of poverty, trade rules ensure that they stay poor.”

Make Trade Fair (Oxfam): “The rich world tells the poor world to get rid of subsidies, but continues to spend US$1 billion a day subsidising its own farming enterprises.”

These sites have ideas on how to make a difference.

United Nations Millennium Campaign: "Every voice counts! Join the growing global movement asking governments to honour their MDG commitments... The Millennium Development Goals are a unique opportunity to end poverty with achievable, timebound and locally defined targets."

Generation Why: "Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign calls on governments, global institutions and big business to give poor people a chance to work their way out of poverty."

AFTINET (Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network): "TAKE ACTION - HOLD OUR MPs TO ACCOUNT. You can write, email or phone an MP to tell them about your concerns and urge that they take action."

Make Trade Fair (Oxfam): Join the Big Noise - Join millions of people around the world who are calling for decision makers to make trade fair.