Since Copenhagen we have witnessed the escalation of efforts by developed countries, led by the United States, to undermine and overturn Climate Convention principles and legally binding agreements. Governments of Canada, Japan and Russia have even explicitly stated they have no intention of fulfilling their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
This is clear to anyone that all these are attempts to turn their backs on their responsibility for the climate crisis and their obligations to the peoples of developing countries and even their own citizens.
In Durban they are trying to sell new words — “A Durban Mandate,” A New Treaty,” even “A New Protocol.” But these are all part of their effort to delay action, pave the way for lower ambitions and more loopholes, and further entrench the “pledge and review” system being pushed by the US as the basis for “legally binding agreements.”
We should not be deceived into thinking that pursuing a New Treaty will raise the chances for higher targets for emissions cuts. Governments who cannot be trusted to honor existing commitments and have sought loopholes at every turn, cannot be relied upon to forge agreements that will be more ambitious than the current.
We urge governments of developing countries to be steadfast in demanding the enforcement of existing agreements and higher targets for emissions cuts by developed countries to be met through domestic measures.
To governments of developed countries: No more delays, No more deception, No more evasion!
Jubilee South – Asia/Pacific Movement on Debt and Development and its members- BANGLADESH Equity & Justice Working Group (EquityBd), Unnayan Onneshan, VOICE, SUPRO, Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Jatiyo Sramik Jote, Community Development Library (CDL) Trust, Nabodhara INDIA River Basin Friends, mines, minerals and People (mmP), National Hawker Federation, Indian Social Action Forum, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, Nadi Gati Morcha, Adivasi Mulvasi Astitva, Kerala Independent Fishworkers Federation INDONESIA Koalisi Anti Utang, Solidaritas Perempuan, Institute for Essential Service Reform, KRUHA, Debt Watch, WALHI (Friends of the Earth), Serikat Petani Indonesia, MALAYSIA Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation NEPAL Rural Reconstruction Nepal, Human Rights Alliance, Jagaran Nepal, GEFONT, All Nepal Women Association, All Nepal Peasants Federation PAKISTAN Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum PHILIPPINES Freedom from Debt Coalition, Kalayaan, Solidarity of Filipino Workers, Tambuyog Development Center, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, Makabayan Pilipinas, Koalisyong Pabahay ng Pilipinas, Sanlakas, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice SRILANKA Centre for Environmental Justice REGIONAL – ARENA, LDC (Least Developed Country) Watch, South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication, Migrant Forum in Asia, Asian Migrant Center, SEAFISH for Justice