NGOs blocked at last minute from WTO summit in Argentina

[sandensea]

Global Justice Now condemns the last minute decision to block dozens of civil society experts and campaigners from next week's World Trade Organisation summit in Argentina.

The decision, apparently made by the right-wing administration of Argentine President Mauricio Macri for undisclosed reasons, is unprecedented in recent WTO history.

Observers from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America had their approved accreditation withdrawn by the WTO yesterday. Groups including Global Justice Now, Friends of the Earth International, and the Transnational Institute are among those affected.

Senior WTO officials said that they didn’t know the reason for the decision despite frequent requests for information from Argentina’s government. Many of the organisations have participated in summits since the WTO was founded.

Argentina’s civil society groups also reported on its own members being blocked from the summit and visas being denied to people duly accredited by the WTO. They rejected the “unilateral and authoritarian measures.” It is believed to be the first time in more than 15 years that a host government has taken a decision of this nature.

Trade campaigners from across the world called upon Argentina’s government to immediately reverse its decision and comply with human rights obligations. The decision also raises questions about the ability of President Macri of Argentina to host this year’s G20, also due to happen in Buenos Aires.

“If the WTO believes in the importance of civil society’s voice, we call on them to move the Summit to a country where people are able to participate freely,” Nick Dearden, Director of Global Justice Now said.

“We also call on the G20 to reconsider the location of their summit next year, as President Macri has clearly shown that his government does not respect democracy or pluralism.”

At: http://www.globaljustice.org.uk/news/2017/nov/30/ngos-blocked-last-minute-wto-summit-argentina

[Judi Lynn]

1. Macri must believe he has enough power now to start putting the hammer down hard.

Looks as if he's letting his real intentions shine already, as he enters dictator land.

It is a step no one would take who intends to have a civil government.

Makes one sick, doesn't it? Really, really bad.

It should be very strange seeing the World Trade Organisation summit as it arrives, knowing what has been done to Macri's specifications, as the host. It's almost insane to imagine there won't be trouble.

G20 needs to immediately change plans for next year, as Global Justice discusses.

Thank you, sandensea, for this absolutely unexpected information.