Marking the annual World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, campaigners staged a protest in front of the Central Bank in Dublin’s city centre to highlight the effect of damaging global economic policies on people in the developing world.
“Powerful global actors are meeting in Davos. They have the power to take decisions that will end the exploitation of Davos protest Jan 26 2008 Dublinpoor countries. The global economy has been structured to benefit rich countries and companies at the expense of the poor. We need to see a radical shift in the policies being pursued by these powerful governments and corporations,” said Nina Sachau, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Comhlámh.
The protest was part of a Global Day of Action to mark the annual World Social Forum, which brings together environmental and social justice campaigners and activists from around the world. The World Social Forum is this year being marked by more than 430 events and protests in 85 countries across the globe highlighting the impact of profit driven globalisation on the poor coinciding with the World Economic Forum.
“Ireland plays a significant role in shaping global agreements which often favour business at the expense of ordinary people,” said Dr. David McNair, Policy and Advocacy Officer for Christian Aid Ireland. “Trade agreements, such as the European Union-led Economic Partnership Agreements open up developing country markets without regard to the negative impact on jobs, livelihoods or public services,” continued Mr. McNair
Campaigners also criticised the Irish Government’s support for international financial institutions which impose policies on poor countries and deepen poverty. Davos protest Jan 26 2008 Dublin
“Ireland is undermining the sovereignty of impoverished countries by supporting the World Bank’s practice of imposing economic policy conditions on poor countries. These economic policy recommendations have often had disastrous effects on impoverished countries around the world. Ireland should insist that the World Bank cease this outrageous practice immediately,” said Nessa Ní Chasaide of Debt and Development Coalition Ireland.