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WASHINGTON DECLARATION SOUTH-SOUTH EXCHANGE

Washington DC September 23, 1999
WASHINGTON DECLARATION
SOUTH-SOUTH EXCHANGE
On September 23-24, 1999 representatives of various civil society organizations from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, USA, Cuba and Brazil met in Washington DC to reflect upon the impact of neoliberal policies on the rural sectors of our countries.
In review of open market policies and the process of privatization we make note of the following impacts:
With regard to the economy: We note the loss of profitability and dynamic growth in the agricultural sector along with the elimination of traditional forms of production, a regression in agricultural reform, a return to the concentration of land in the hands of a few and an increase in the dependence on basic food products from outside sources.
With regard to social conditions: There has been an increase in the levels of poverty and indigence especially among women, children and indigenous people. This has been principally noted in increased levels of malnutrition, illiteracy, disease, unemployment, immigration and delinquency.
With regard to the environment: The level of new vegetative growth has decreased significantly, water sources are contaminated, soil erosion is pronounced and the extinction of native flora and fauna is of major concern.
With regard to political participation: A loss of autonomy and self determination is of concern and the violation of human rights continues.
In the face of this reality, the organizations signed below declare that:
1. Economic growth alone does not guarantee progress and the well being of our people. What is needed is development that, includes the participation of local communities, takes into consideration the cultural traditions specific to the areas of development and that honors equality within the community, especially among the sexes and considers ethnic diversity.
2. A rural development strategy requires the active participation of all sectors of society in the design and execution of policies and specific projects
3. It is necessary to include the different levels of organization within a community in the creation of new development models. This must be done in such a way that the well being of all human beings is guaranteed regardless of religious creed, or political, social and cultural persuasion and that all are given an equal opportunity to participate.
4. It is important and necessary to develop a broad based continental coalition that will confront the neoliberal policies that work against the sustainable and human development of our people.
5. The need to develop a new Latin American economic and social philosophy that will lead to a united new alternative model of development for our people
6. We reject the US economic blockade of Cuba.
7. We repudiate and condemn the militarization and repression of the people of Chiapas. We stand for an immediate political solution to the conflict.
8. We call on all peoples and governments to respect the autonomy and self determination of indigenous people guaranteed by Agreement 169 of the International Labor Organization.
9. All Latin American governments must adhere to the published agreements on human rights.
Washington DC September 23, 1999
BRAZIL: Movimiento Sin Tierra
CUBA: Asociacion Nacional de Pequenos Productores
EL SALVADOR: Foro Agropecuario, Confederacion de Federaciones de la Reforma Agraria, Confederacion de Asociaciones Cooperativas de El Salvador, Mesa Permanente de Mujeres Rurales, Fundacion Nacional para el Desarollo
HAITI: Plate-Forme Haitienne de Plaidoyer pour un Developpement Alternatif, Mouvman Peyizan Papay, Lambi Fund, Limye Lavi
HONDURAS: Consejo Civico de Indigenas y Organizaciones Populares
MEXICO: Enlace Civil, Centro de Investigaciones Economicas y Politicas de Accion Comunitaria, Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolome de las Casas, La Voz de los Sin Voz, Servicio del Pueblo
NICARAGUA: Centro Valdivieso, Rural Development, Fundacion Agusto Cesar Sandino, Cooperativa Central de Servicios Multiples Campesinos Activos de Jalapa
Fecha: 23/09/1999