We spoke with Martin Kirk and Anuradha Mittal about the World Bank’s “Doing Business” ranking which encourages countries to lower protections for workers, public health and the environment in order to attract businesses. It allows businesses to move factories and capital to countries with the lowest standards and fuels the race to the bottom. Of particular concern is the rising number of acres being sold to Big Ag which is displacing millions and destroying local food protection. The Rules and Oakland Institute are partnering in a new campaign, “Our Land Our Business” to end land grabs. They seek one million signatures by October. Visit OurLandOurBusiness.org to learn more and take action.
Listen:
New Campaign Targets World Bank to End Global Race to theBottom with Martin Kirk and Anuradha Mittal by Clearingthefog on Mixcloud
Relevant articles and websites:
World Bank protests April 11 to 13
World Bank’s New Agriculture Project Threatens Food Security, Warn Experts
The New Shock Doctrine: ‘Doing Business’ with the World Bank by Dr. Jason Hickel
Guests:
Anuradha Mittal is founder and executive director of the Oakland Institute. Starting 2011, the Institute has unveiled land investment deals in Africa which reveal a disturbing pattern of a lack of transparency, fairness, and accountability. The dynamic relationship between research, advocacy, and international media coverage has resulted in an amazing string of successes and organizing in the U.S. and abroad.
Martin Kirk is the Global Campaigns Director for /The Rules. He joined The Rules from Oxfam in June 2012, where he had been Head of UK Campaigns. Before Oxfam, Martin was Head of Global Advocacy for Save the Children. A history graduate, Martin has worked extensively across private, public and NGO sector on government relations and engaging the public on global issues.