Shaping a sustainable global economy: Misereor

In order to overcome the structural injustice of the global economy, we first need to overcome the colonial division of labour, in which countries of the Global South primarily export raw materials, but their industrial processing takes place mainly in countries of the Global North. These countries in turn mainly produce and export finished products and offer services, which secures them the majority of global value creation and jobs. Trade agreements and so-called commodity partnerships deepen this division of labour.

In many countries of the Global South, only a few companies and people benefit from mining, which also contributes to deforestation, the destruction of biodiversity, water pollution, the displacement of indigenous and farming communities and, last but not least, the climate crisis. The same applies to the agro-industrial cultivation of soya, sugar, coffee, bananas and cocoa, most of which are destined for export.

In order to overcome such abuses, we have successfully campaigned for the German and EU Supply Chain Act, which obliges local companies to respect human rights, the environment and the climate. We are also calling for similar rules at United Nations level.

At the same time, we are in favour of a trade policy that reduces poverty and promotes sustainability. For decades, we have also been promoting fair trade, which secures people a reliable income, protects the environment and at the same time serves as a model for fair trade structures.

We also advocate debt cancellation for countries in the Global South to enable public financing of education, healthcare, social systems and the local economy. Without overcoming the debt crisis, it will not be possible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

A man presents coffee cherries in his hands

We have been committed to fair wages, decent working conditions and fair trade relations for over 60 years. Here we present campaigns, projects and materials relating to fair trade.

55 per cent of countries in the Global South are in a threatening debt situation. The consequences are increasing poverty and inequality. Financial resources that flow into debt servicing are not available to combat poverty, hunger and the climate crisis.

Increasing global prosperity demands more and more raw materials such as coal. The downside: human rights violations and environmental destruction.

We advocate an economic order in which human rights and the environment are prioritised - and economic development benefits everyone.

Unfair trade conditions lead to poverty and misery in many countries around the world. That is why we are in favour of a fair trade policy that puts human rights and the environment at the centre.