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Support Bolivia's fight against poverty
Bolivia’s democratic government is under threat. Take urgent action now to support the Bolivian people.
Since being elected in 2005, the government of Bolivia – a country characterised by high levels of inequality among its peoples and regions – has sought to implement a series of reforms aimed at lifting millions of people out of poverty.
Over recent months some of Bolivia’s powerful economic elite have sought to derail these reforms. Despite the country’s leaders comprehensively winning a public referendum in August, forces opposed to the government have engaged in an escalating programme of extreme tactics – including the use of politically orchestrated violence.
South American leaders have now issued a unanimous resolution pledging firm support for Bolivia’s constitutional government and democracy. European leaders have now followed suit.
Fight against poverty threatened by 'free trade' agenda
At the same time, Bolivia together with Ecuador, Peru and Colombia (the Community of Andean Nations) have been taking part in trade negotiations with the European Union (EU). Bolivia has called for an agreement with the EU based on “solidarity” where people and the environment are the “principal beneficiaries”. But the EU has recently insisted that it will only negotiate with those Andean countries that are prepared to advance a ‘free trade’ agenda. Such an approach threatens the fight against poverty in the Andean region, whilst weakening Bolivia’s overall position and making regional integration more difficult.
Democracy plays a vital role in sustainable development and WDM, along with other UK civil society groups, has now signed up to a letter to the Foreign Office expressing strong concerns about the unfolding situation in Bolivia.
WDM will let the Bolivian Ambassador in London know that its supporters are taking this solidarity action.
This action has now closed - thanks to everyone who took part.
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