About the campaign

Trade generates incredible wealth, and links the lives of everyone on the planet. Yet millions of people in poor countries are losing out. Why? Because the rules controlling trade heavily favour the rich nations that set the rules.

Something’s very wrong with world trade.

Oxfam’s committed to putting it right.

Why campaign on trade?

World trade rules have been developed by the rich and powerful on the basis of their narrow commercial interests. Rich countries and powerful corporations have captured a disproportionate share of the benefits of trade, leaving developing countries and poor people worse off. Trade rules should be judged on their contribution to poverty reduction, respect for human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Instead of robbing half the world of a proper living, trade could help millions of poor farmers and workers in developing countries beat poverty, and change their lives for good.But this will not happen unless countries change the way they trade.

So we’re campaigning hard to make sure they do.

How we're doing it

Oxfam’s Trade campaign presses decision-makers and governments for new trade rules – fair rules to make a real and positive difference in the fight against poverty.We’re also working with other campaigning organizations to drive home the message – and getting high-profile celebrities to draw attention to the breath-taking potential of trade, too.

Success

Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign has generated amazing publicity, mobilizing public opinion on rigged trade rules around the world.

More than 20 million people have signed the Big Noise petition so far, providing the kind of backing that gives us extra clout in the places that count.

For instance, together with other campaigning organisations and farmers groups, we have successfully lobbied the World Trade Organization (WTO) – the body that sets trade rules – to exempt Developing countries from cutting their import tariffs on agricultural products that are essential for food security and rural livelihoods.

What now

Oxfam and Make Trade Fair continues to campaign with the world's poorest people, wherever we see their ability to trade under threat.

There is still much to be done – and there is also a new threat.At the WTO, poor countries have so far managed to stand firm – and most importantly, together, during trade talks. Rich countries are pushing to close the negotiations before the end of 2008, but a deal that helps reduce poverty will only be achieved if rich countries change their attitudes and put development at the centre of their concerns. New fairer trade rules are still needed for poor countries to participate more equally in the global trading system but a deal should not be pushed through for the sake of it. A bad deal could do more harm than no agreement.

Developing countries’ solidarity is now being undermined by increasing pressure from rich countries to negotiate deals on their own, or in much smaller groups, with the US and European Union. Make Trade Fair is working to ensure these new deals are fair for poor countries.

If you want to learn more about the campaign, visit our Rigged Rules section.