INTERFAITH STATEMENT ON TRADE

1. International trade and investment systems should respect and support the dignity of the human person, the integrity of creation, and our common humanity.

All human beings, regardless of any distinction, have been endowed by God with the intrinsic and inalienable quality of dignity. This principle of human dignity, so fundamental to our faith traditions, demands that international trade and investment respect the rights and needs of people above market principles. It is our common conviction that if we are to respect the integrity of God's creation, then the natural world, with all its richness and diversity, must not be sacrificed to shortsighted profit motivations. It is our firm belief that all human beings constitute a single people responsible for mutual care and respect. If one segment of human society is suffering, all of humanity suffers. Recognition and acceptance of our common humanity will enable us to shape international trade and investment to advance the goal of a more just, equitable, and prosperous human society.

We observe:

• A global economy that too often emphasizes the priority of markets and profits over human considerations such as the welfare of workers, communities, and the natural environment.
  
• An unwarranted belief that markets in and of themselves can effectively address the needs of impoverished people and those who are vulnerable.
  
• International trade and investment activity undertaken on the false assumption that natural resources are inexhaustible and can be exploited without limit.
  
• Activities of international economic actors that violate international human rights, labor, and environmental conventions.

We envision:

Trade and investment relationships that protect and promote the dignity of the human person, ensure the development and well-being of people in all nations, and secure the earth's natural environment in all its bounty and diversity for present and future generations.

Click here to read more.

Click here to read all of the principles.

Click here for a printer-friendly (PDF) version of this document.