Every seven seconds, in some part of the world, a child under 10 years of age dies from the direct or indirect effects of hunger, stated Jean Ziegler, special reporteur to the United Nations regarding the right to food.  Ziegler added that every day, 100 000 people die from hunger or its consequences; that every four minutes a person loses their sight due to a lack of Vitamin A; and that the number of malnourished people grew between 2001 and 2002 from 810 to 840 million people.  In Latin America and the Caribbean, poverty afflicts 220 million people, unemployment, external debt, violations of human rights, migration and institutionalized violence by supposedly democratic governments stain the continent with blood.  One can’t help but conclude that the capitalist system’s neoliberal model, and in fact the two of them, have not proven to be the answer to the poverty that is worsening in the world.  This “development model” is, rather, for a select few. 

The spaces are being closed in a system which has its neoliberal circuit composed of its principal subject (transnational companies); its representatives and alliances (such as the G-7); its operating instruments (multi-lateral banks such as the WB, the IDB, the IMF and commercial banks); its negotiation-imposition scenarios (such as the WTO, FTAA, PPP, etc.); and its mechanisms of coercion through militarization and the bases of the United States army throughout the continent. 

According to the World Bank, in 2003, of the one hundred greatest economies of the planet, 51 are transnational corporations and 49 are countries.  Among the countries with the greatest production are the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, China, Italy and Canada.  Among the richest companies in the world, Wal-Mart is in first place, with sales of 246 billion, 525 million dollars in 2002; followed by General Motors, Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, Ford-Daimler-Chrysler, Toyota, General Electric, Mitsubishi, Citigroup, ING Group, IBM and others.  The power of these transnationals is so gigantic over the national governments and their economies that they define policy, legal or illegal, in their favour. [1]

But, where is the more than 273 billion dollars that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has ‘invested’ in the continent?  More poverty and external debt is what loans from the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have caused.  The IDB represents the veins through which the financial capital that will encourage the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the Plan Puebla-Panama (PPP) flows.  The financial capital is brought mainly by the governments of Japan, Europe and the United States, and to a lesser extent the Latin American countries that live the “American Dream” believing that they are co-owners of a bank, but more aptly put, they are slaves to its policies.  Nonetheless, for its part, regarding the analysis of the IDB and its ominous impacts there is consensus among civil society, some sectors of political society and a little bit of the small businesses economic society that is affected and aware.  But, what they haven’t managed to agree upon is the alternative.  We distinguish among three paths.  The first is from those who believe that the IDB can benefit the poor if it would just modify and “humanize” its policies.  The second is from those who believe that good results can only be achieved by constantly asking questions of the governments and IDB officials.   The third is from those who consider the IDB to be in inherently impoverishing instrument at the service of the system that accumulates wealth and as such it is necessary to create other mechanisms.  The ideal would be to think that the three paths should walk together.  

Regardless, the continental movement is building with greater strength.  Recently, at the 45^th Annual IDB Governors Assembly celebrated in March 2004; and in the context of the WB’s and the IMF’s 60^th anniversary celebrated this April, movements are being registered on all sides. 

[1] See the research of the ETC Group, www.etcgroup.org

THE BOYCOTT CAMPAIGN

On March 30^th, 2004, the Association for Community Advancement and Development (CEIBA) in Guatemala, the Center for Economic Research and Community Action Policies (CIEPAC) in Mexico, the Center for Economic Justice (CEJ) in the United States and the Popular Indigenous Organizations Council (COPINH) in Honduras sent out a press release in Lima, Peru, during the protests against the IDB as it held its 45^th Annual Governor’s Assembly.  The release stated that more than 500 Latin American organizations were launching a boycott against the IDB’s bonds and its projects in their regions via a manifesto, signed during the days of resistance carried out in Honduras in July 2003.  Now, the growing campaign had formed an alliance with the boycott against the World Bank in order to exert moral, political and financial pressure on the IDB.

The boycott campaign demands that the IDB stop demanding payment on the debts of poor countries; that it stop promoting privatization and harmful free trade projects; and that it stop financing petroleum, gas and mining projects in Latin America.  The strategy of the boycott is based on the model of the anti-apartheid disinvestment campaign.  This movement helped to bring down the racist apartheid government in South Africa.

76% of the IDB’s funds come from the sale of bonds in the private financing market.  The campaign urges institutional investors to boycott the future purchase of IDB bonds until it has met the demands to stop environmental and social destruction.  This part of the boycott has been launched by citizens of North America, Europe and East Asia, where the IDB obtains the bonds that finance the majority of its operations.  The second element of the campaign is the mass mobilization and protests by those who have been impacted by the IDB’s projects, to reject the IDB’s projects in their communities and to exert pressure on their governments to the end that they do not accept any more loans from the bank.  To date, indigenous communities in Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico (Oaxaca and Chiapas among other states) have blocked some of the IDB’s projects.

This boycott has also been modelled on the base of the growing boycott against the bonds of the World Bank.  Using the same strategy, the Boycott against the World Bank has more than 100 institutional signatures including, for example, the largest union in the United States, the “Teamsters”; the cities of Milwaukee and San Francisco; and the University of New Mexico.  TIAA-CREF, the largest pension fund in the United States, sold all of its World Bank bond, after a pressure campaign.  The Boycott against the World Bank combines financial pressure – presently impacting billions of dollars of investment – with protests by organizations and base movements in more than 35 countries on 5 continents.  The Boycott against the World Bank has agreed to collaborate closely with the campaign against the IDB.

While the IDB declares that it has helped to improve social and economic indicators in the region, the reality is that it has resulted in significant social and environmental damage, negatively impacting many of the region’s poorest communities.  There are a large number of areas where the history of IDB has been especially atrocious.  Compared to other international financial institutions, the environmental policy of the IDB (or the lack of) is at the bottom of the list.  Some members of the campaign against the IDB are horrified by the bank’s new environmental policy, approved on March 18^th, 2004.  This policy confirms a total lack of obligation to the environment as has been cited by grassroots organizations in Latin America.  A clear example of this is the Camisea gas project in Peru.  Even though it was rejected by the United States’ Export-Import Bank for environmental reasons, the IDB approved it.

The lack of a clear policy on the theme of indigenous peoples is another concern.  The IDB is one of the most anti-democratic financial institutions and it has continuously refused to establish a clear framework for safeguarding the rights of the indigenous communities affected by its projects.  A clear example is the Plan Puebla-Panama, which has been converted into a death penalty for many communities.  The carrying out of Plan Puebla-Panama projects means the loss of lands and the traditional survival of the communities.

Given IDB’s history in the region, the members of the campaign against the IDB have resolved to intensively counteract the public image and the financing of the IDB.  Now we present the Declaration against the IDB.

CIVIL SOCIETY AGAINST THE IDB

22 countries and 638 organizations have initiated a campaign against the IDB.  The countries are:  Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Spain, the United States of America, Guatemala, Haiti, Holland, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Sweden, Thailand and Uruguay.

MANIFESTO

AGAINST THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB)

Around 1 500 representatives of diverse organizations, networks and social sectors from 15 Meso-American, Caribbean and other countries from around the world, participants in the Days of Resistance held during the Second Meso-American Forum Against Dams and “For Water and the Life of the People”, the Third Week for Biological and Cultural Diversity" and this IV Meso-American Forum for Peoples’ Self-Determination and Resistance, we have evaluated the role of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in the region and we declare the following:

Through its lending policies the IDB promotes the privatization of social services, such as health care and access to potable water, negatively affecting the general welfare of the people of Central America and the Caribbean.

IDB projects cause irreparable damage to the rich diversity of plants, animals and tropical forests in Central America and the Caribbean.

The neoliberal economic system promoted by IDB has resulted in the plunder of indigenous resources, theft of natural resources, plants, traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge for the benefit of transnational corporations.

Through Plan Puebla Panama, IDB projects contribute to the forced removal of indigenous people and communities and especially the impoverishment of women.

There is an increasing tendency for the IDB to impose its neoliberal policies of decentralization on local governments, among them municipalities where it promotes the privatization of services.  Moreover, the IDB finances several social programs like an occupying army trying to buy the minds and hearts of the people, with token and piecemeal offerings that do nothing more than try to hide the obvious:  its projects are designed and implemented for the interests of big business.

IDB projects are accompanied by militarization of all national borders in the region, persecution of social leaders, assassinations and violations of human rights.

The IDB forms part of the strategy of  imperial domination over the continent.

IDB is the cause of:

-the increase of the external and internal debt of poor countries.

-the loss of sovereignty of governments and peoples.

-the violation of human rights and the destruction of the environment.

To all citizens of the Americas, we call on you to pressure your governments to not accept more conditioned loans from the IDB and CABEI and to suspend payments on foreign debt.

Indigenous organizations, members of environmental organizations, human rights and social justice organizations who signed below and participants in the Days of Resistance of the People 2003, we firmly sustain that the future of Latin America depends on the self-determination of its people.

WE RESOLVE, to reject IDB and CABEI projects and policies that cause permanent damage to indigenous cultures, the economy and the environment. We are determined to oppose any IDB and CABIE policies that give preferential treatment to private investors at the expense of the citizens of our countries.

Presented in the city of La Esperanza, Intibucá,.Honduras on the 20th of July in the year 2003 and ratified in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on the 22^nd of July, 2003.  Signed: 

AUSTRALIA (1): Oxfam Australia; BRAZIL (2): Grito de los Excluidos Continental (The Cry of the Excluded of the Continent), Movimiento Afectados por Represas MAB (the Movement of those Affected by Dams); CANADA (6): Bear Clan of Maxam Lake, the International Center for Developme Research, Youth of the World, La Colmena and COMPA/Canada, the Social Justice Committee, Rights Action, COLOMBIA (1): Coordinadora Nacional Agraria CAN (the National Agricultural Coordinator); COSTA RICA (32): Agenda Cantoral de Mujeres Desamparadas (the Choral Agenda of the Forsaken Women), Alianza de Mujeres Costarricense (the Costa Rican Women’s Alliance), Asociación de Desarrollo (the Development Association), Asociación de Pescadores del Golfo (the Gulf Fishers Association) Asociación de Profesores de Segunda Enseñanza (the Second Teaching Educators’ Association), Asociación de Servicios de Promoción Laboral (the Association for Work Advacement Services), Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores de Telecomunicaciones (the National Association of Telecommunications Workers), Centro de Educación y Capacitación (the Center for Education and Training), Centro de Estudio y Publicaciones-Alforja (the Center for Studies and Publications-Supplies, CEUS of the Gulf, the Solón Núñez Clinic, Consejo 12 puntos (the Twelve Points Council), Consejo de Asociaciones Estudiantiles (the Students Association Council), Encuentro Popular (Popular Encounter, Federación para la Conservación del Ambiente (the Federation for Environmental Conservation), Federación Sindical Mundial (the World Union Federation), Foro Nacional Indígena (the National Indigenous Forum), Frente Ecologístico Universitario (the University Ecology Front), Fundación Pacificar (the Peacemaking Foundation), Grupo de Estudio del ALCA (the FTAA Study Group), Juventud Obrera Cristiana (the Christian Youth Workers), Liga Internacional Pro Paz y Libertad (the Pro-Peace and Freedom International League), Mesa Nacional Campesina (the National Campesino Table), Movimiento Comunal Autónomo Costarricense (the Autonomous Costa Rican Common Movement), Movimiento de Acción Popular Urbano (the Movement for Popular Urban Action), Movimiento de Trabajadores y Campesinos (the Workers and Campesinos’ Movement), Plataforma Agraria (the Agricultural Platform), Plataforma Contra el ALCA (the Platform Against the FTAA), Sindicato Banco Popular (the Popular Bank Union), Sindicato de Profesionales en Ciencias Económicas (the Economic Sciences Professionals Union), Unión de Empleados de la Caja del Seguro Social (the Union of Employees of the Social Security Office), Unión Personal (the Personal Union), Universidad de Costa Rica (the University of Costa Rica); CUBA (2): Asociación Nacional de Agricultores Pequeños (the Small Farmers National Association), Centro de Investigaciones de la Economía Mundial (the Center for World Economy Research): EL SALVADOR (99): Andamos, ARDM, Asoc. Comité de desarrollo Integral para la Transformación (the Committee for Integrated Development for Transformation), Asociación "Vamos" Red Sinti Techan (the “Let’s Go” Association Network Sinti Techan), Asociación Amigos del Medio Ambiente (the Friends of the Environment Association), Asociación Comunal Cantón El Limón Sonapango (the El Limon Sonapango Region Common Association), Asociación Cordes JR. (the J.R. Cordes Association), Asociación de Mujeres por la Dignidad y la Vida (the Women for Dignity and Life Association), Asociación de Comunidades afectadas por el cuillo (the Association of Communities affected by el cuillo), Asociación de Estudiantes de Period (the Period Students Association), Asociación de Mujeres Salvadoreñas en Acción (the El Salvador Association of Women in Action), Asociación de Radios y Programas (the Association of Radios and Programs), Asociación de Ganaderos (the Ranchers Association), Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores Agropecuarios (the National Agricultural Workers Association), Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores del Ministerio (the National Ministry Workers Association), Asociación Organismo de Cuenca del Lago Ilopango (the Lake Ilopango Watershed Organization Association), Asociación para el Desarrollo Municipal (the Association for Municipal Development), Asociación por la Concientización y Recuperación (the Association for Awareness and Recovery), Asociación Pro Desarrollo Humano Nueva Generación (the New Generation Pro-Human Development Association), Asociación Salvadoreña de Montañismo Chimchontepec (the Montañismo Chimchontepec El Salvador Association), Bases Magistrales Salvadoreñas (the Salvadoreño Magisterial Base), Bloque Popular Juvenil (the Popular Youth Block), CARTYL, Caritas of El Salvador, Caritas Santa Ana, Central de Mujeres Campesinas (the Campesino Women’s Center), Centro de Estudio y Apoyo Laboral (the Center for Labour Studies and Support), Centro de Información sobre Inversión y Comercio (the Center for Investment and Trade Information), Centro de Orientación Radial para la Mujer Salvad (the Center for Radial Orientation of the Fortunate Woman), Centro Salvadoreño de Tecnología (the El Salvador Technology Center), Centro Universitario Regional del Norte (the Northern Region University Center), Ciudadanía y Desarrollo (Citizenship and Development), Colegio Médico de El Salvador (the El Salvador Medical College), Comité Análisis ASO (the ASO Analysis Committee), Comité contra el SIDA (the Committee Against AIDS), Comité de Análisis Ana Silvia Olán (the Ana Silvia Olan Analysis Committee), Comité de Defensa de los Consumidores (the Consumer Defence Committee), Comité de Prevención de Desastres Joya de Ceren (the Jewel of Ceren Committee for the Prevention of Disasters), Comité Gestor Río San Simón Alcaldía Municipal (the Rio San Simon Managing Committee of the Municipal Headquarters), Comité Incidencia para el Desarrollo Agropecuario (the Committee for Agricultural Development), Comité Nacional Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero (the Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero National Committee), Concertación Comunal del Salvador (the Common Coordination of El Salvador), Confederación de Cooperativas de Reforma Agraria (the Confederation of Agricultural Reform Cooperatives), Consejo Coordinador de Comunidades (the Coordinationg Council of Communities), Consorcio de ONG´S de Educación Cívica (the Civic Education NGO’s Consortium), Coordinador del Bagolen Pay Mangle Movimiento Soa, CRIPDES, Equipo del Servicio a Comunidad de Base (the Service Team for Grassroots Community), Equipo Maíz (the Corn Team), Escuela Obrera Campesina (the Campesino Workers School), Federación de Asoc. Y Sindi. Indepen. (the Federation of the Independent Unions Association), Federación de Asociación y Sindicatos (the Federation of Associations and Unions), Federación de Sindicatos de Trabajadores (the Workers Union Federation), Federación de Sindicatos Forestales (the Federation of Forest Unions), Federación de Sindicatos Independientes de El Salvador (the El Salvador Federation of Independent Unions), Foro Agropecuario (the Agricultural Forum), Foro de la Sociedad Civil (the Civil Society Forum), Foro de Migrantes El Salvador (the El Salvodor Immigrants Forum), Foro Noruego para Medioambiente (the Norwegian Forum for the Environment), Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional 9the Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation), Fundación CORDES (the CORDES Foundation), Fundación SHARE Construyendo un nuevo El Salvador Hoy (the SHARE Foundation, Building a New El Salvador Today), Fundación para L y D para el D.I. (the Foundation for L. and D. for I.D.), Fundación Segundo Montes (the Segundo Montes Foundation), FUNPROCOOP, Grupo Gestor Comité de Contraloría de Ciudadanos y, Grupo Solidario 22 de Abril (the Citizens Inspection Management Committee Group and the 22 of April Solidarity Group, Iglesia Luterana (the Lutheran Church), Inter Comunal del Sur de Ahuachupan (the Inter-Communal of the Rio Grande of San Miguel), Intercomunal del Río Grande de San Miguel, Instituto Permacultura de El Salvador (IPES) (the El Salvador Permaculture Institute, Las Melidas, Mesa Global Mesa Permanente de Mujeres Rurales (the Global Table, Permanent Table of Rural Women), Movimiento Comunal Salvadoreño (the El Salvador Common Movement), Movimiento de Activación Social Alternativa (the Movement for Alternative Social Activation), Movimiento de Estudiantes de Secundaria (the Secondary School Students Movement), Movimiento de Jóvenes Ambientalistas (the Environmental Youth Movement), Movimiento Juvenil Nueva Generación (the New Generation Youth Movement), Movimiento Popular de Resistencia 12 de Octubre (the 12 of October Popular Resistance Movement), Movimiento Popular del Norte (the Northern Popular Movement), Mujeres en Acción (Women in Action), OIKOS Solidaridad (OIKOS Solidarity), Organización Comunal Rural (the Rural Communal Organization, OXFAM International, Parroquia Nuestra Sra. Del Carmen (Our Lady of Carmen Parish), Programa Campesino a Campesino (the Campesino to Campesino Program), Proyecto Comunal de El Salvador (the El Salvador Communal Project), Red Ciudadanos Frente a los Transgénicos (the Citizens Network Against Transgenetics), Red de Acción Ciudadana Frente al CORDES (the Citizens’ Action Network Against CORDES)., Red de Acción el Plaguicidas Unidad Ecológica (the Ecological Unity Plaguicides Action Network), Red de Consumidores (the Consumers Network), Red Nacional Agrícola Sostenible (the National Sustainable Agriculture Network), Red Sinti Techan, Siglo XXIII: Paz Sustentable (the XXIII Century: Sustainable Peace),  Misiones Agrícola (Agricultural Missions), Sindicato de Trabajadores Social (the Social Workers Unions), SUTTEL, Unidad Ecológica Salvadoreña (the El Salvador Ecology Body), Universidad Luterana (the Lutheran University), WINAKA; SPAIN (3): Acción Socio Política (Social-Political Action), Asociación Catalana de Profesionales para la Cooperación (the Catalan Association of Professionals for Cooperation), Observatorio de la Deuda en la Globalización (the Globalization Debt Watch); THE UNITED STATES (23): ACERCA /NoPPP, American Friends Service Committee, California State University – Northridge (estudiantes), the Campaign for the Demilitarization of the Americas (CADA), the Center for Economic Justice’s  (CEJ) Boycott Campaign Against the IDB/ No PPP, National Labour, the Coalition Against Privatizations ESCYA, the Workers Coalition of Immokalee, CSUN, Denver Justice and Peace Committee, Global Exchange, Indymedia San Francisco, Interaction, International Rivers Network (IRN), the La Colmena Collective, the Program for Human Rights and Justice, Popular Radio, Rising Roots International (RRI), the Native American magazine/Indian Country Today, the University of Berkeley, CA.(students), Food First Information & Action Network, OXFAM International; GUATEMALA (54): ADI CPRRP, Alianza por la Vida y la Paz (the Alliance for Life and Peace), APROSAN, Asamblea Consultiva Población Desarraigada (ACPD) (the Consultation Committee for Uprooted People), the ADHSC Association, Asociación Desarrollo Chorti (the Chorti Development Association, Asociación de Mujeres Unidas (the United Women’s Assocation), Asociación de Estudiantes Universitarios del Petén (the University of the Peten Students’ Assocation), Asociación Promoción Desarrollo de Comunidad (the Association for Community Advancement and Development), Asociación Civil en Marcha al D.I. (the Civil Association Marching to D.I.), ACODEQUESA, APCVP, Brigadas Internacionales de Paz (International Peace Brigades), CALDH, CEADEL, CEIBA, Centro de Investigación y Educación Popular (the Center for Research and Popular Education), Centro Internacional de Investigación Desarrollo (the International Center for Development Research), the Father Hermógenes Center, CIDECA, CIEP, Coordinadora Estudiantil Universitaria de la USAC (the USAC University Students’ Coordination), Coordinadora de Madres y Padres de Familias, (the Mothers and Fathers of Families Coordination) Coordinadora Nacional de Organizaciones Campesinas (the National Campesino Organization Coordination), Coordinadora Nacional Indígena Campesina (the National Indigenous Campesino Coordination), Coordinadora Nacional Sindical y Popular (CNSP) (the National Union and Popular Coordinator), COMACH, Comité de Unidad Campesina (CUC) (the Campesino Body Committee), Comité de Pobladores La CONAPANG (the La CONAPANG Inhabitants Committee), COMUNICARTE, Comunidades de Población en Resistencia Petén (CPR) (the Communities of People in Resistance, Peten), Consejo Desarrollo Comunitario (the Community Development Council), Derechos en Acción Guatemala (Rights in Action, Guatemala), Defensoría Indígena (the Indigenous Defence), Federación de Estudiantes de Agronomía (FEAG) (the Agricultural Students Federation), Frente Petenero Contra las Represas (the Peten Front Against Dams), GRUFEPROMEFAM, Hijos e Hijas para la Identidad y Justicia conta el Olvido y el Silencio (HIJOS) (Sons and Daughters for Indentity and Justice and Against the Forgotten and Silence), IXMUCANÉ, Juventud de Unidad de Acción Sindical y Popular (the Youth Unit of Union and Popular Action), Mama Maquín, Mesa Global (the Global Table), Mesa Nacional para las Migraciones en Guatemala (MENAMIG) (the National Table for Immigration in Guatemala), Movimiento Estudiantil Guatemalteco (the Guatemalan Students Movement), Organización de Mujeres Maya Ixchel (the Maya Ixchel Women’s Organization), Pastoral Social Campesina (the Social Campesino Pastoral), Plataforma Agraria (the Agricultural Platform), Red Comunitaria de América Central de Prevención de Desastres (the Central American Disaster Prevention Network), SADEGUA, Sindicato de los Trabajadores de la Educación de G (the Education Workers Union of Guatemala), Unidad de Acción Sindical y Popular (the Union and Popular Action Unit), Víctimas de Guerra (War Victims), Waqxaqibl B’atz’; HAITI (1): 1 the Haitian Platform for Alternative Development (PAPDA); HOLLAND (1): 1. Play Fair Europe and the Peoples Global Action; HONDURAS (190): Acción Universitaria (University Action), ACITMF, AHTT, AMPAS, APLA, Afroamerica XXI, Alternativa (Alternative), Asamblea Popular Permanente Contra Privatizaciones (the Permanent Popular Assemby Against Privatization), the independent advisor Ms. Dinamarca, Asociación Empresas y Cooperativas Agropecuarias F.M. (the Association of Agricultural Businesses and Cooperatives), Asociación Col. A. Andrade y Asociados (the Col. A. Andrades Association and Associates), the Com. Ind. Tolupanes Association, Asociación Amistad Honduras-Cuba (the Honduras-Cuba Friendship Association), the Andar Association, Asociación Campesina Nacional (the National Campesion Association), Asociación de Desarrollo Honduras (the Honduras Development Association), Asociación de Pequeños Productores de Olancho (the Small Producers of Olancho Association), Asociación de Productores Agropecuario (the Agricultural Producers Association), Morolica, Asociación Ecológica de Univ. (the University Ecology Association), Asociación Hondureña de Productores de Café (the Honduran Coffee Producers Association), Asociación Nacional de Campesinos de Honduras (the National Association of Honduran Campesinos), Asociación Nacional de Empelados Públicos (the National Public Employees Association), Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores de la Economía (the National Economy Workers Association), Asociación Nacional para el Arte y la Cultura (the National Association for Art and Culture), Bloque Coordinador de Patronatos de Honduras (the Coordinating Block of the Patrons of Honduras), the Popular Colomongagua Block, the Popular Comayagua Block, the Popular Copán Block, the Popular Intibucá Block, the Popular Block of Marcala and the Peoples of the Sierra, Cambios Básicos (Basic Changes), Cáritas Comayagua, Cáritas National, the Cáritas Social Pastoral of Honduras, CDT, CCH, CEFEDIH, Central de Patronatos de la Venta Gualaco (CEPAVEG) (the Center of the Sponsors of the Venta Gualaco), Central Nacional Trabajadores del Campo (the Field Workers National Central), Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Honduras (the Honduras Workers Unit Central, Centro de Derechos de Mujeres (the Womens’ Rights Center), Centro de Integración Juvenil Hondureño (the Center for the Integration of Honduran Youth), Centro Estudios de la Mujer-Honduras (the Honduras Center for Womens Studies), Centro Hondureño Promoción Desarrollo Comunitario (the Honduran Center for the Advancement of Community Development), Centro Internacional de Información sobre Cultivos (the International Center for Crop Information), CISP, Club Juvenil Ambientalista I.D.O. (the Youth Environmental Club), CNTC, COCAUPRAH, CODESPA, COMPA Honduras, COFADEH, Colectivo Feminista Mujeres Universitarias Coinver (the Coinver University Womens’ Femenist Collective), Colegio de Pedagogos (the College of Pedagogy), Colegio Hondureño de Economistas (the Honduran College of Economics), Colegio Ing. Agrónomos de Honduras (the Honduras College of Agricultural Engineering), Colegio Profesional Hond. Superación Magisterial (the Honduras Professional Magisterial Advancement College), Colegio Profesional Unión Magisterial de Honduras (the Professional Magisterial Union College of Honduras), Colegio Profesores de Educación Media Honduras (the Honduras College of Eduation Teachers), Comité Ambientalista Valle de Siria (the Siria Valley Environmental Committee), Comité Damas Vol. Nac. Unidas (the National United Vol. Womens Committee), Comité de Derechos Humanos (the Human Rights Committee), Comité Defensa y Desa Flora y Fauna Golf. Fonseca (the Committee in Defence of Golf Flora and Fauna), Comité Familiares Detenidos Desaparecidos Honduras (the Committee for Disappeared and Detained Family Members, Honduras), Comité Hondureño por la Paz (the Honduran Peace Committee), Comité para la Defensa del Consumidor Hondureño (the Committee for the Defence of Honduran Consumers), Comité para el Desarrollo (the Committee for Development), the community of Jolocal, Gualaco, CONAMINH, Confederación de Pueblos Autóctonos de Honduras (the Confederation of the Autonomous Peoples of Honduras), Confederación Hondureña de Cooperativas (the Honduran Cooperative Confederation), Confederación Nacional de Federación de Patronatos (CONAFEP) (the National Confederation of the Federation of Patrons, Confederación Unitaria de Trabajadores de Honduras (the United Confederation of Honduras Workers), Consejo Cívico de Org. Populares e Indígenas de Honduras (COPINH) (the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous NGOs in Honduras), Consejo de Organizaciones Campesinas de Honduras (the Council for the Campesino Organizations of Honduras), Consejo Estudiantil Universitario (the University Students Council), Consejo Nacional Indígena de Honduras (the National Indigenous Council of Honduras), Consejo Nacional la Mujer Cooperativista Honduras (the National Council for the Cooperative Woman of Honduras), Consejo para el Desarrollo Integral de la Mujer Campesina (the Council for the Integral Development of Campesino Women), Consorcio de Inversiones S.A. (Investment Consortium), Cooperativa Redondel de Artesanos Comidas del Sector Social (the Round Coordination of Food Artisans of the Social Sector), Coordinadora de Pobladores de Honduras (the Honduras Inhabitants Coordination), Coordinadora de Sindicatos Bananeros y Agroindutri (the Coordination of Banana and Agro-industry Unions), Coordinadora Organizaciones Populares del Aguán (the Coordination of the Popular Organizations of Aguan), Diario Tiempo (the Daily Times), Eco Una, EDUCSA, Empresa Asociativa Campesinos TOMAS NATIVI (the Tomas Nativi Campesino Associated Business), Enlace de Mujeres Negra (the Ties of the Black Women), Enlace Étnico Gubernamental (the Government’s Ethnic Link), the MR Alvarado School, the Western Teaching School, Federación de Tribus Indígenas Pech de Honduras (FETRIPH) (the Federation of the Pech Indigenous Tribes of Honduras), Federación Indígena Tawhaka de Honduras FENAESH, (the Federation of the Tawhaka Indigenous Peoples of Honduras), Filial Departamento Intibucá (the Intibuca Department Branch), Foro Social del Valle de Sula (the Sula Valley Social Forum), Foro Local Forestal de Gualaco (the Gualaco Local Forest Forum), Fraternal Negra (Black Fraternity), Frente de Defensa del COPEMH (the Front for the Defence of the COPEMH), Fuerza Universitaria Revolucionaria (the Revolutionary University Force), Fundación Ambiental Wata (the Wata Environmental Foundation), the Popol Nahtún Foundation, HER, the Catholic church, the  Alfonso Guillen Zelaya Institute, Instituto Formación Investigación Cooperativista (the Cooperative Research Formation Institute), the D. Napoleón Soto Institute, Instituto Hond. Educ. por Radio (the Honduras Radio Education Institute), Inter Foros, Iseri Lidawani, the Agua Miscune Junta, Juventud Unificación Democrática (the Youth Democratic Unification), La Voz de los de Abajo (the Voice of those Below), Los Necios, Mercado Zonal Belén (the Belen Market), Movimiento Afrogarifuna Iserilidawamari (the Iserilidawamari Afro-garifuna Movement) , Movimiento Artistico "Matraca" (the “Matraca” Artistic Movement), Movimiento Campesino del Aguán (MCA) (the Campesinos of Aguan Movement), Movimiento Cultural Caminante (the Walking Culture Movement), Movimiento de Mujeres Dolores Cruz (Movement of the Women of the Painful Cross), Movimiento Estudiantil Hondureño (the Honduran Students Movement), Movimiento Estudiantil del Valle de Aguán (MEVA) (the Students Movement of the Aguan Valley), Movimiento Liberal Democrático Revolucionario (the Revolutionary, Democratic, Liberal Movement), Movimiento Mujeres por la Paz Visitación Padilla (Women’s Movement for Peace), Mujeres de la Sierra (Women of the Sierra), Mujer Intibucana Renovada (the Renewed Intibucana Women), NICORASS, OFRANEH, the Francisan Order, Organización Campesina Hond. Desarrollo Nac. Sostenible (the Honduras Campesion Organization for Sustainable National Development), Organización Hond. Desarrollo Social Equit. Entre pueblos (the Honduras Organization for Equitable Social Development Among Peoples), the Reg. de Peque. Agricultural Prod. of Sta. Bárba Organization, Organización de desarrollo Étnico Comunitario (the Organization of Community Ethnic Development), Organización Indígena Lenca de Honduras (the Lenca Indigenous Organization of Honduras), Parro. Sant. Trinidad Gr. Pop. Walking for Peace , Partido de los Trabajadores Honduras (the Honduras Workers Party), Partido Innovación y Unidad Social Demócrata (the Social Democratic Unity and Innovation Party), Partido Unificación Democrática (the Party for Democratic Unification), the Olancho Youth Pastoral, the Caritas Social Pastoral of  Honduras, the Juticalpa Social Pastoral, the Santa Rosa Social, the University Pastoral, the SB Regional Patron, the Comayaguela Sector Patron, the Patrons of Honduras, PNUD, Primer Colegio Profesional Hondureño de Maestros (the First Professional Hondura College of Teachers), PROHECO, Proyecto de Desarrollo Agrícola Parroquia Marcala (the Marcala Parish Agricultural Development Project), Pueblo Garífuna (the Garifuna People), Pueblos Indígenas (the Inigenous People), Radio Progreso, Red de Comercialización Comunitaria Alternativa (COMAL) (the Alternative Community Trade Network), Red de Desarrollo Sostenible (the Sustainable Development Network), Rehpadec Red Hondureña (the Honduran Rehpadec Network), Servicio Autónomo Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (the National Autonomous Aquaduct and Drainage Services), Sindicato de la Industria Bebida y Similares (the Food and Beverage Industry Union), Sindicato de Trabajadores de Embotelladora de Sula (the Bottlers of Sula Workers Union), Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Tela Railroad Co. (The Tela Railroad Company Workers Union), Sindicato de Trabajadores del País (the Union of the Country’s Workers), Sindicato de Vendedores Hondureños (the Honduran Sellers Union), Sindicato Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (the National Child Patrons Union), Sindicato Trab. Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (the Union of the Workers at the National Pedagogy University), Sindicato Trabajadores de la Medicina y Similares (the Union of Medical Workers), Sindicato Trabajadores Industria Cementera (Cement Industry Workers Union), Sindicato Trabajadores Instituto Nacional Agrario (the Union for the Workers of the National Agricultural Institute), Sindicato Universidad Nacional Autónoma Honduras (the National Autonomous University of Honduras Union), Sindicatos de Trabajadores Bloque Popular del Occi (the Occi Popular Block Workers Union), SITRAINFOP, SITRAPANI, Sociedad Colectiva Madera Verde (the Green Mother Collective Society), STYBYS, Tribu La Ceiba (the La Ceiba Tribe), Tribu La Lima (the La Lima Tribe), Tribu Lavanderos (the Lavanderos Tribe), Unidad Estudiantil (the Students Unit), Unión de Comu. Org. De la Región del Aguán (the Union of Community Organizations of the Aguan Region), Unión de Mujeres Campesinas (the Campesino Womens’ Union), Unión de Trabajadores del Campo (Field Workers Union), Unión Revolucionaria del Pueblo (the People’s Revolutionary Union), Universidad Cristian Ulenm (the Ulenm Christian University), Universidad Nacional Autónoma Honduras (the National Autonomous University of Honduras), Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán (the Francisco Morazan National Pedagogy University), Universidad Nacional Agrícola (the National Agricultural University), UNICOM, UNICORASS, Vía Campesina; IRELAND (1): Trocaire; ITALY (3): Cáritas Italy, the Regional Center of Action for Cooperation, TERRA NUEVA (New World); MEXICO (137): Acción Global de los Pueblos, (Peoples’ Global Action) Agenda Cantoral de Mujeres Desamparadas (the Choral Agenda of the Forsaken Women), Alianza Cívica Chiapas (Civic Alliance, Chiapas), AMAP, Área D.H., ARIC Independent and Democratic, Antzetik yu-un Cañadas, Arrieros de Chalchihuitán, Asociación de Trabajadores El Paso (the El Paso Workers Association), Asociación Interdisciplinaria de Chiapas (the Interdisciplinary Association of Chiapas), Asociación Rural Interés Colectivo (the Association of Collective Rural Interests), Boca de Polen, Casita de la Paz (the Little House of Peace), CASFA, CELR, Centro Análisis Polít. e Inv. Sociales y Económicas (CAPISE) (the Center for Political Analysis and Social and Economic Research), Centro de Derechos Humanos Digna Ochoa (the Digna Ochoa Human Rights Center), Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas (the Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Human Rights Center), Centro de Derechos Humanos Tepeyac del Istmo de Tehuantepec (the Tepeyac Human Rights Center of the Tehuantepec Isthmus), Centro de Desarrollo Integral Campesino de la Mixteca (the Center for Integral Campesino Development of the Mixteca), Centro Educativo Santa María de Guadalupe (the Santa Maria of Guadalupe Education Center), Centro de Estudios Rurales de los Universitarios (the University Center for Rural Studies), Centro de Investigaciones Económicas y Políticas de Acción Comunitaria (CIEPAC) (the Center for Economic Research and Policies of Community Action), Centro de Investigaciones Económicas Internacional (the Center for International Economics Research), Centro Estudios Filosóficos Tomás de Aquino (the Thomas of Aquino Center for Philosophical Studies), Centro Indígena de Capacitación Integral (the Indigenous Center for Integral Training), CEDIAC, CEPACOMAC, CEPAZ, CIAM, CIDECI Las Casas, CIESAS, CIOAC, CIRSA, CLAEES, CNC Democratic, Coalición de Trabajadores de Immokala (the Coalition of Workers of the Immokala), COCIDEP, CODICH, the Cortamotaja Collective, the UNACH Feminine Collective, Comité de Apoyo a Chiapas (the Chiapas Support Committee), Comunidad Witzilton (the Witzilton Community), Confederación de Cooperativas de Reforma Agraria (the Confederation of Agricultural Reform Cooperatives), Consejo de Organizaciones de Médicos y Parteras Indígenas de Chiapas (COMPITCH) (the Council of Medical and Indigenous Midwives Organizations of Chiapas), Consejo Indígena Popular de Oaxaca Ricardo Flores Magón (the Ricardo Flores Magon Popular Indigenous Council of Oaxaca), Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (the Council of Latin American Churches), Coopera Tú, Coordinación de Resistencia Civil de Costa Rica (the Costa Rican Cooridination of Civil Resistance), Coordinadora Diocesana de Mujeres CODIMUJ (the Coordination of Women Diocesana), Coordinadora Altos (the highlands coordination), Coordinadora Amplia de Lucha Contra ALCA y OMC  (the Widespread Coordination of the Fights Against the FTAA and the WTO) , Coordinadora de la Sociedad Civil en Resistencia (the Coordination of Civil Society in Resistance), Coordinadora de Organizaciones Autónomas de Chiapa (the Coordination of the Autonomous Organizations of Chiapas), Corporación Corazón (the Heart Corporation), CORECO, DESMI, Despertar Maya, Diaconia Jitotol region, the Diaconia of San José Buenavista, the Diaconia of San Juan Chamula, Educación para la Paz (EDUPAZ) (Education for Peace), Equipo tzotzil DDHH Chenalhó (the Tzotxil Human Rights Team of Chenalho), Federación Indígena Ecológica de Chiapas (the Indigenous Ecological Federation of Chiapas(, Flor de Pantelhó, Flor de Los Altos, Foro para el Desarrollo Sostenible (the Sustainable Development Forum), Fortaleza de la Mujer Maya (the Strenghtening of the Mayan Woman), FPLN, Frecuencia Libre (the Free Frequency), Frente Autentico del Trabajo (the Authentic Work Front), Frente Chiapaneco Contra las Represas región fronteriza (the Chiapas Front Against Dams, Border Region), Frente de Lucha Popular 15 de Septiembre (the 15^th of September Popular Struggle Front), Frente de Pueblos en Defensa de la Tierra Atenco (the Front of the People in Defence of the Atenco lands), Frente en Defensa de Soberanía y Derechos Pueblos (the Front in Defence of Peoples’ Rights), Frente de Unión de Jóvenes Estudiantes (the Students Youth Union Front), the Father Adolfo Kolping Foundation, the León XIII Foundation, Grupo de Trabajo Colectivo (the Collective Working Group), Grupo de Comunicadores Indígenas (the Group of Indigenous Communicators), Grupo Solidario de Acción Popular (the Popular Action Solidarity Group), Hermano Sol (Brother Sun), INESIN, Indymedia Chiapas, Instituto Maya (the Mayan Institute), Jolo’m Mayaetik, Jlumaltik, Lunatik, Maderas del Pueblo del Sureste, Mayavinik, Media Luna, Melel Xojobal, Minas de Ámbar (the Ambar Mines), Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the mission of Guadalupe, the mission of San José, Movimiento Agrario Indígena Zapatista (the Zapatista Indigenous Agricultural Movement), Movimiento Independiente de Mujeres (the Independent Women’s Movement), Nuestra Voz (Our Voice), Obra Kolping, OCEZ, ODEMICH, OMIRS, the Ch’ul Jmetik Balumil agri-ecology organization, Organización de Agricultores Biológicos (the Organic Growers Organziation), Organización de Parteras Indígenas (the Indigenous Midwives Organization), the parish of Altamirano, the parish of San Andrés, the parish of Santo Domingo, the parish of Santo Tomás Apóstol, the parish of Huitiupán, Partido Revolucionario de las y los trabajadores (the Revolutionary Workers Party), the Social Pastoral of Chenalhó, the Social Pastoral of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Paz y Tercer Mundo (Peace and the Third World), Promedios de Comunicación Comunitaria (Community Communication Means), Pueblo Creyente, Puente Cancún  (the Cancun Bridge) Indymedia Chiapas, Red de Defensores Comunitarios de DD HH (the Network of Community Defenders of Human Rights), Red Nacional de Género y Economía (the National Network on Gender and Economics), Red Mexicana de Acción Frente al Libre Comercio (RMALC) (the Mexican Action Network Against Free Trade), Servicio Internacional para la PAZ (SIPAZ) (International Service for Peace), Sna Tzibajom, the “Las Abejas” Civil Society, the civil society of Huitiupán, Sociedad Cooperativa de Productores tseltal – tzotzil (the Tzeltal-Tzotzil Producers Cooperative Society), the Maya Winik Cooperative Society, the Cooperative Society of Sabanilla Chiapas, UAQ, UENPS, Unidad de Acción Sindical y Popular (the Unit for Union and Popular Action), Unión Campesina Emiliano Zapata Vive (the Emiliano Zapata Lives Campesino Union), Unión Comunidades Indígenas de Zona Norte de Istmo (UCIZONI) (the Indigenous Communities of the Northern Zone of the Isthums Union), Unión de Campesinos de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas (Campesinos of the Sierra Madres of Chiapas Union), Unión de Organizaciones Sierra Juárez (the Sierra Juarez Organizations Union), Unión Tzotzil de Diversificación Productiva (the Tzotzil Productive Diversification Union), Yamtel Ach Winik, Yomblej; NICARAGUA (66): Acción contra el Hambre (Hunger Action), Alianza por la Vida y la Paz (the Alliance for Life and Peace), Asociación de Agua Potable Ceibita (the Ceibita Association for Potable Water), Asociación de Consumidores de Masaya (the Masaya’s Consumers Association), Asociación de Defensa Consumidores Nicaragua (the Nicaraguan Consumers Defence Association), Asociación de la Defensa Conciudadana (the Citizens Defence Association), Asociación de Trabajadores del Campo (the Field Workers Association), Asociación Hijas e Hijos del Maíz (Sons and Daughters of the Corn), Asociación Mujer y Comunidad (the Women and Community Association), Asociación para el Desarrollo Agro ecológico Región (the Association for Agri-ecological Development), Asociación Resistencia Nicaragüense Israel Galeano (the Israel Galeano Nicaraguan Resistance Association), Asociación Svalorna (the Svalorna Association), Brigada 26 de Febrero (the 26^th of February Brigade), Casa Alianza Nicaragua (the Nicaragua Alliance House), Casa de la Mujer Bocana de Paiwas (the Bocana de Paiwas Womens House), Centro de Investigaciones Económicas Internacional (the Center for International Economics Research), Centro Ecuménico "Antonio Valdivieso" (the "Antonio Valdivieso" Ecumenical Center), Centro Jurídico Popular (the Popular Judicial Center), Colectivo Mujeres de Matagalpa (the Women of Matagalpa Collective), Comisión Intercongregacional Justicia y Paz (the Intercongregational Peace and Justice Commission), Comité Desarrollo Municipal (Municipal Development Committee), Comité León por la Paz (the Lion for Peace Committee), Comité Solidaridad Zapatista (the Zapatista Solidarity Committee), Comités Sor María Romero (the Maria Romero Committee), COMPA Nicaragua, Comunidades Cristianas de Bases (the Christian Community Bases), Confederación General Agropecuaria de la ATC (the General Confederation of Agricultural of the FTAA), Convergencia Movimiento de los Pueblos de las Américas (the Convergence of Peoples of the Americas Movements), the  Rubén Darío Cooperative, Coordinadora Municipal de Proyectos (the Municipal Projects Coordinator), Coordinadora Nacional Oficiales en Retiro, Coordinadora Pueblo Indígena Mozonte (the Mozonte Indigenous People Coordination), Cristianos Nicaragüenses por los Pobres (Nicaraguan Christians for the Poor), CST-1BE/CRSM., CUSO Canada, the Humbolt Center, the Anama Ediciones Publishers, Federación Nacional de Sindicatos Textil (the National Textile Unions Federation), Fondo de Cooperación al Desarrollo (the Cooperation for Development Fund), FORUM SYD, the POPOL NA Foundation, the “El Arenal” Solidarity Group, the “Arenal Masaya” Solidarity Group, Instituto Mujer y Comunidad (the Women and Community Institute), Juventud 10 de Abril (the 10^th of April Youth), Medio de Comunicación (Media), Monexicos-Nahuas-Chorotegas, Movimiento Ambientalista (Environmental Movement), Movimiento Comunal Nicaragüense (the Nicaraguan Communal Movement), Movimiento de Acción Popular Urbano (the Popular Urban Action Movement), Movimiento de Activación Social Alternativa (the Social Alternatives Activiation Movement), Movimiento Popular del Norte (the Northern Popular Movement), Movimiento por la vida (the Movement for Life), Movimiento Social de Matagalpa (the Matagalpa Social Movement), Movimiento Social Nicaragüense (the Nicaraguan Social Network), Nicaragua Network, POPOL NA Casa de la Comunidad (the POPOL NA Community House), Pueblo Indígena de Mozonte (the Mozonte Indigenous People), Red de Organizaciones Civiles de Ometepe (the Ometepe Network of Civil Organizations), Red Nacional Defensa Consumidor (the National Consumer Defence Network), RPM, Sindicato Nacional de Construcción (the National Builders Union), SUKAWALA, Unión Nacional de Estudiantes de Nicaragua (the National Students Union of Nicaragua, Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua (the Polytechnical University of Nicaragua); PANAMA  (11): Asociación Pequeños y Medianos productores de P. (the Small- and Medium-Scale Producers Association of Panama), Cáritas Panama, CEPAS, Centro Nacional de Trabajadores (the National Workers Center), Comité por la Defensa de la Tierra y el Río Santa María (the Committee for the Defense of the Earth and the Santa Maria River), Confederación Nacional de Unidad Sindical Independ (the National Confederation of the Independent Union Unit), Convergencia Sindical (Union Convergence), Coordinadora Campesina Contra los Embalses (the Campesino Coordination Against Dams), Movimiento 10 de abril Tabasara (the Tabasara 10^th of April Movement), Movimiento Campesino en defensa Río Cobre, (the Campesino Movement in Defence of the Copper River, the Social Pastoral of Panama; SWEDEN (1): FORUM SYD; THAILAND (1): Southeast Asia Rivers Network; URUGUAY (2): Movimiento Mundial Bosque Tropical (the World Tropical Forest Movement), Sociedad Civil “Los Abajos” (the “Los Abajos” Civil Society).

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