African support for the "HOPE for Africa Act", H.R. 772 From the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) and Friends of the Earth (FoE) Nigeria
The HOPE for Africa Act presents us with a good set of safeguards against harmful trade and industrial relations between the North and Africa. With particular reference to Nigeria, it is clear to us that an Act such as this will provide us with the right tool for the defence of our environmental, labour and human rights against predatory industrial giants (some are from the USA). Moreover, HOPE for Africa Act addresses some of the pertinent issues that has brought much unrest to our society.
Why do we say this?
For so many years, our governments have been hijacked by the military and their undemocratic supporters. The greatest supporters have been the multi-national corporations who have found it convenient and lucrative ton operate behind military shields, fuel oppression and general exploit the people and the environment in the most reckless and inhuman way possible. The clauses on the environment and access to jobs by the local people in the HOPE for Africa Act gives us reason to believe that there is a humane future ahead, a future in which we can dream and see the fulfilment of our dreams, a future in which we can be surer of direct control of our resources and activities in our environment.
Nnimmo Bassey
Director, Environmental Rights Action (ERA)/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria
For more information contact Friends of the Earth, US at 202-783-7400, ext.
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