Global Justice Leicester and Leicestershire

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Say NO to corporate courts

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At the Global Justice Now AGM in June Pia Eberhardt from Corporate Europe Observatory spoke movingly about the struggle to protect an area of natural beauty and possible UNESCO World Heritage site.

Canadian company Gabriel Resources have applied to build a toxic gold mine in the Romanian area of Rosia Montana. If given the go ahead, it would destroy homes, damage the local environment and cause the destruction of an irreplaceable heritage site.

Pia Eberhardt at GJN AGM

Pia Eberhardt speaking at the Global Justice Now AGM in Birmingham

The open cast gold mine has not been given permission by the Romanian courts. This decision was made after a legal process that took into account the facts about the impact of the gold mine on the community and environment.

Now Canadian Company Gabriel Resources is suing Romania in an international tribunal, seeking US$5.7 billion in compensation – nearly 3% of Romania’s GDP.

Sign the petition against corporate courts here

Find out more here

Why not join us in the campaign to stop the corporate court system?

Global Justice Now Opposes Corporate Courts

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People who are very keen for the UK to strike its own trade deals around the world may not be very familiar with the Investor -State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system.

This enables corporations who are party to these trade deals to use tribunals to sue governments who have national legislation in place to benefit their citizens and preserve environmental and health standards, but which may affect corporation profits when they seek to take advantage of their new trade access.

Examples include:

  • Oil and gas company Lone Pine who is suing the Canadian government for £900 million over a moratorium they have against fracking in Quebec;
  • Swedish energy corporation Vattenfall sued Germany over the environmental restrictions on one of its coal-fired power plants which was settled by Germany weakening its environmental standards;
  • Anglian Water sued Argentina for freezing water rates during Argentina’s financial crisis and cancelling its water contract due to poor service. Anglia won the case and was awarded £13 million.

Developing countries can be particularly at risk if they try to retain some national protections which can be challenged by corporations, resulting in large payments to lawyers and companies which could be better spent on services benefiting its citizens.

In the light of these unjust decisions a number of countries are now refusing to sign trade agreements which include ISDS provisions.

Follow the link to the Global Justice petition calling for no UK trade deals to be signed which include any recourse to the ISDS system:

https://www.globaljustice.org.uk/join-fight-against-corporate-courts?

Glyn Morris Haines (1932-2018)

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It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Global Justice Leicester member Glyn Haines on 29th October. Glyn believed passionately that the world’s resources should be shared fairly. He was a tireless campaigner against the root causes of poverty.

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Glyn’s enthusiasm and energy were boundless. He braved all weathers to support the work of Global Justice Leicester and share our campaigns with members of the public. We have lost a wonderful friend, who left the world a much better place than he found it.

HSBC Fossil Finance WDM

Global Justice Leicester says ‘No’ to the hostile enviroment

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In 2018, Global Justice Leicester has been saddened by the way our government is treating immigrants and refugees.

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Stall at CND Peace Event – Leicester Secular Hall

At events, we have found people overwhelmingly against the government’s callous treatment of vulnerable refugees. Leicester is a City of Sanctuary and we should be a welcoming city.

We must call time on the hostile environment and make our country a safe and welcoming place to be for everyone.

Ask Sajid Javid: stop the hostile environment

Don’t Ditch Fairtrade

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Global Justice Leicester has had fewer meetings recently, but we are active and campaigning …

On October 28th we joined in a day of action to tell Sainsbury’s – ‘Don’t Ditch Fairtrade’

Sainsbury's Don't Ditch Fair Trade

We chatted to customers outside of the Sainsbury’s Store in Fosse Park and asked them to sign a letter to the store manager. The letter expressed concern that Sainsbury’s was ditching Fairtrade certification for its own brand tea – and noted that the packaging is confusing. The packaging states ‘Fairly Traded’ which could confuse people into thinking it is Fair Trade certified. It is not!

Sainsburys Red Label Not Fair Trade

Many customers regularly bought Fairtrade goods as they wanted to make a difference to the lives of poor communities. Find out more on the Fairtrade Foundation website

Don’t forget to support Fairtrade Fortnight – it is from 28th February to 11th March 2018.

Fairtrade Fortnight aims to put a spotlight on trade. When trade is fair it has the potential to improve the lives of the farmers and workers who grow our food. When trade is fair, it can make the world a better place. Together we have that power, so get involved and be part of the difference.

Refugee Week 2017

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Stories of Climate Change and Migration

Wednesday 21st June – 5.30 to 7.45 pm

City Hall, 115 Charles Street, LE1 1FZ

People in flood water

 

To support Refugee Week 2017, Leicester Friends of the Earth, Global Justice Now and Leicester City Council are pleased to host an informative evening about the impact of climate change on refugees from around the world.

Speakers will give personal views on climate change and how communities are attempting to respond in different regions of the world.  Speakers will include

  • Justin Udie – Climate Change & Potential for refugee crisis in Nigeria. How can communities help?
  • Dr Andy Simmons – Impact on Small Island states?
  • Dr Shafiqul Choudhary – Impacts in Bangladesh
  • Claire Plumb – Impacts in Nicaragua

All welcome – Book your place now.