World Fair Trade Day 2007

World Fair Trade Day is a relatively new initiative developed in 2005 as a result of the European Worldshop Day. Every year, on the second Saturday in May, the International Fair Trade Association and the Fair Trade Organizations celebrate and promote the necessity for fair trade across the globe. This is the only global campaign for the Fair Trade movement.

This year’s focus will be ‘Kids and Fair Trade’, highlighting working conditions endured by children across the world.  As an example, see the photo below which we have been assured was not “photo-shopped.”

Child laborers in a dye factory in Bangladesh

The aims of this initiative are as follows:

• To promote trade based on dialogue between trading parties in various corners of the World.
• To create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers.
• To draw up mutual agreements of fair prices and payments.
• To introduce the idea of gender equality.
• To improve working conditions.
• To promote and, in extreme cases, to introduce the idea of environmental awareness.
• To establish accountability of parties on both sides of the equation.

IFTA has joined a long list of organisations who have fought for fair trade around the world. Historically, proponents include, amongst others, international groups such as the long running Oxfam (established in 1942); the non-governmental human rights campaign that is Amnesty International; and the Catholic relief, development and social service organisation of Caritas International.

To join in the fight to give children their right to childhood and the right of each developing human being to lead a decent life, please search the sites below and find an event in your area, and lend your support.

http://www.wftday.org/
http://www.kidz-at-work.net/
http://news.conaxis.de/index.php