Civil Society Organizations submission to Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Permanent Representative , Royal Thai Government
Imphal, 18 March 2013
Dr Nalinee Taveesin, leader of a delegation from Thailand at Imphal on March 18 2013 on a 2 day visit to Manipur for exploring the potential for trade and investment between Thailand and North East India :: Pix - David M Mayum
Submission from Civil Society Organizations to
Dr. Nalinee Taveesin
Permanent Representative
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Royal Thai Government
18 March 2013.
Classic Hotel, Imphal, Manipur
We are thankful for this opportunity to be part of this Indo-Thai Business Interactive Session with Dr. Nalinee Taveesin. This is the first time that this process of building business relations between the India and Thailand and with ASEAN, BIMSTEC etc. has invited civil society representatives from Manipur to express their views on a process which is largely inaccessible to the people at large. Taking this opportunity, we would like to make few submissions for attention in order to ensure that this FTA negotiation is accountable, transparent and that people can directly participate.
1. We would like to submit that the FTA negotiations, including India ASEAN appears to lack transparency and hence, calls for a more open process so that people are made to be aware of what is being negotiated and space created so that their concerns are taken on board.
2. We believe that so far negotiation has been going on. In the interest of the people, we urge these documents be made public.
3. We understand that unrestrained trade and securitization of development (Investments) can play havoc on peoples’ lives and their environment, and thus requires stringent social clauses informed by international human rights standards. We also call for ASEAN Human Rights Declaration to also inform this FTA with India.
4. The FTA process and its implementation must also be informed by the rights of Indigenous Peoples in North East region as also enshrined in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), ILO 169 and also the recent UN directive on Business and Human Rights.
5. The FTA through North East India must be informed by the experiences of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade, 1995 which resulted in the destruction of local productive base. An assessment of the same must be conducted before the implementation of India ASEAN FTA.
6. Majority of the people in the Northeast depends on agriculture and agro related activities for livelihood. The system of subsidy regime and social spending has been helpful for the sustenance of the peoples of Northeast India. India ASEAN FTA, which shows interest in the agriculture sector, should be mindful about this reality, and thus, allow the same to continue.
7. We understand that Northeast India is one of the most diverse region in terms of bio-diversity and culture, mineral, hydro energy, etc. Extractive industry and harvesting hydro-energy carries the potential of displacement and destruction of livelihood options of the people and endemic ecology as many of the mega dams have shown in the past. India ASEAN FTA is reminded to be understandable about this reality.
8. We hope that the present process in boosting trade in Northeast India will help to bring about a more vibrant and empowered women rather than increase their woes.
Signatories
1. North East Peoples Alliance
2. Forum for Indigenous Perspectives and Action
3. Center for Organization, Research and Education
4. Women in Governance (WinG)
Contact
Jupiter Yambem Center
Paona International Market
Imphal West 795001, Manipur, India
Tel: +91 385 2445134
[email protected]
* This info was sent by Ram Wangkheirakpam (North East Peoples Alliance) who can be contacted at wangkheilakpa(at)gmail(dot)com
This Press Release was posted on March 19, 2013.
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