CIEL and partners publish reports and presentations from a Capacity Building Workshop on the Relationship between the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Convention on Biological Diversity

February 21, 2008 Since its inception, discussions in the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) have continuously referred to the World Intellectual Property Organization. In particular, some delegations have argued that intellectual property related issues such as the protection of traditional knowledge and disclosure of origin in patent applications … Read More.

Block of countries refuses to discuss transparency in investor-State arbitrations

February 15, 2008 In February 2008, a Working Group of the United Nations charged with revising key international arbitration rules rebuffed calls by many States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss introducing transparency requirements into arbitrations brought by private foreign investors against States. Under most international investment treaties, foreign investors have the right to bring … Read More.

Call for Protection for Indigenous Peoples in Isolation in the Peruvian Amazon (Llamado Para La Protección De Los Pueblos Indígenas En Aislamiento En La Amazonia Peruana)

For Immediate Release January 22, 2008 On 19 December, 2007, the Federation of Indigenous Cacataibo Communities (FENACOCA), the Peruvian NGO Instituto del Bien Común, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL); with the support of the Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP), have requested precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on … Read More.

CIEL requests precautionary measures for the protection of Cacataibo indigenous peoples in isolation in the Peruvian Amazon

On 19 December 2007, the Federation of Indigenous Cacataibo Communities (FENACOCA), the Peruvian NGO Instituto del Bien Común, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL); with the support of the Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP), have requested precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to protect the … Read More.

CIEL challenges the European Free Trade Association over their anti-development pursuit of intellectual property provisions in Free Trade Agreements with developing countries

Berne Declaration, Alliance Sud, and CIEL Media Briefing: Intellectual Property and Proposed European Free Trade Area (EFTA) Bilateral Agreements with Developing Countries December 2007 CIEL challenges Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein (the European Free Trade Association) over their anti-development pursuit of intellectual property provisions in Free Trade Agreements with developing countries, at a media briefing … Read More.

CIEL urges the World Trade Organization to move towards greater coherence

November 2007 At the recent WTO Public Forum CIEL hosted a discussion on the problem of an increasingly fragmented legal framework. WTO Members have been largely unsuccessful in negotiating explicit multilateral solutions on coherence, shifting some of the responsibility to dispute settlement panels and the Appellate Body. Clarity is needed in order to foster coherence … Read More.

CIEL and a Coalition of European and Latin American NGOs submit an amicus curiae brief to the WTO’s Appellate Body in the Brazil-Retreaded Tyres case

October 11, 2007 Geneva, Switzerland — On October 11, 2007, a coalition of human rights and environmental organizations from Europe and Mercosur countries submitted an amicus curiae brief to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body in the Brazil-Retreaded Tyres case. In this dispute, the EC challenged Brazil’s ban on the importation of retreaded tyres, … Read More.

CIEL announces Climate Change Program Partnership with Philip Blumberg, Chairman of Blumberg Capital Partners

September 2007 Philip Blumberg, founder and Chairman of Blumberg Capital Partners, is pleased to announce his companies’ support for environmentally friendly real estate operations as an institutional supporter of CIEL’s Climate Change Program. “It’s increasingly clear that environmental impact is a bottom line issue as well as a social one. The Center for International Environmental Law … Read More.

CIEL and IBC work together to safeguard the rights of the Catataibo Indigenous Peoples threatened by Oil exploration in Amazonia

September 2007 In August 2007, the Peruvian government approved oil and gas exploration in the traditional territories of the indigenous Cacataibo communities, where there still exist Cacataibo peoples living in voluntary isolation. With the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the 2D Seismic Project for Block 107, the “Petrolifera” company, which is headquartered in … Read More.

CIEL Criticizes Weak North American “Regulatory Cooperation” on Chemicals

On August 21, 2007 Canadian Prime Minister Harper, U.S. President Bush, and Mexican President Calderón held a Security and Prosperity Partnership summit in Montebello, Quebec. Their joint statement unveiled a new Regulatory Cooperation Framework and was accompanied by a two-page statement proposing “strengthened regulatory cooperation among our countries in the area of chemicals” with goals … Read More.

Environmental chapter of the Peru trade agreement marks a significant step forward

For Immediate Release June 27, 2007 Statement by Center for International Environmental Law, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Environmental Investigation Agency, Friends of the Earth, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club The environmental provisions included in the final text of the Peru Free Trade Agreement mark a significant step forward, and we commend the Democratic leadership … Read More.

A coalition of human rights and environmental organizations file an amicus curiae brief in an investment arbitration concerning access to water and sanitation in Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 5, 2007 On April 4, 2007, four human rights organizations in Argentina, the Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS), the Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia (ACIJ), Consumidores Libres, and the Unión de Usuarios y Consumidores, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) filed an amicus curiae brief in English … Read More.

Global warming and human rights gets hearing on the world stage

March 2007 On March 5, 2007, CIEL Senior Attorney Donald Goldberg, Inuit leader and Nobel Prize nominee, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, and Earthjustice Managing Attorney Martin Wagner provided testimony before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The subject of their testimony was the impact of global warming on the Inuit and other vulnerable communities in the … Read More.

CIEL analyzes the human rights responsibilities of International Financial Institutions at a public hearing held at the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights

February 28, 2007 At 10:15am (2:15pm GMT) of March 1st, CIEL, the Indian Law Resource Center, and Oxfam America spoke on Human rights violations and responsibility of international financial institutions. The organizations presented written legal analysis presented to the IACHR, in addition to Oxfam America’s The Inter-American Development Bank, the Camisea Gas Project and Human … Read More.

Political Deal on European Chemical Law Paves Way for Passage

December 2006 After eight years of debate, a provisional agreement between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission hammered out November 30 sets the stage for adoption of REACH, the world’s most significant legislation on chemicals. Under REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), companies that make or import chemicals in Europe will shoulder new obligations … Read More.

Civil Society Organizations request amicus curiae status, “Friend of the Court,” in international arbitration proceedings against Tanzania

December 1, 2006 On November 27, 2006, three Tanzanian-based civil society organizations and two international ones have joined forces to request status as amicus curiae to an International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Tribunal hearing a case brought by Biwater PLC, a UK-based water company, against the Government of Tanzania. The five organizations … Read More.

CIEL and partners welcome the second open hearings in WTO dispute settlement history and ask parties to make open hearings their policy

October 11, 2006 On 27-28 September 2006 and 2-3 October 2006 two dispute settlement panels’ proceedings with the scientific experts and with the parties (the European Commission, the United States and Canada) were open to public observation via closed-circuit television broadcast. The three disputing parties in the two cases, (US – Continued suspension of obligations … Read More.

D.C. Circuit establishes dangerous precedent in upholding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s critical use exemption rule for methyl bromide

On August 29, 2006 A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied a petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to review EPA’s 2004 rule implementing critical use exemptions for methyl bromide under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol, a global … Read More.

CIEL Urges UNCITRAL Member Governments to Adopt More Transparent and Participatory Arbitral Rules for Disputes Involving States

September 16, 2008 Please see the full text of CIEL’s statement. This week CIEL attended the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) meetings in Vienna to revise UNCITRAL’s arbitration rules. CIEL’s goal is to improve the rules’ treatment of transparency, public participation and accountability in arbitrations involving a State as a party (“State … Read More.

CIEL and partners organize Workshop on Intellectual Property and Regional Trade Agreements in Cape Town, South Africa on October 6th, 2006

Workshop organized by CIEL, ICTSD, and TRALAC October 6, 2006 Free trade agreements (FTAs) are mushrooming at the regional and bilateral level. According to the World Bank, (See “Global Economic Perspectives, Trade, Regionalism, and Development”, The World Bank, 2004.) the number of agreements in force now surpasses 250, and has increased six fold in just … Read More.

FTAs and sustainable development: The example of EFTA and other upcoming challenges

June 7, 2006 On 7 June 2006, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Berne Declaration co-organized a discussion on “FTAs and sustainable development: The example of EFTA and other upcoming challenges“, at the Maison des Associations, Geneva. The discussion aimed at addressing concerns raised in relation to ongoing bilateral trade negotiations in … Read More.

CIEL requests that the European Comission make available to the public its initial written submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Panel in the Brazil-Retreaded Tires case

June 2006 On June 9, 2006, CIEL sent a letter to the European Commission, requesting that it make available to the public its initial written submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Panel in the Brazil-Retreaded Tires case, as well as subsequent filings of the EC in this case. Brazil has already made … Read More.

CIEL forecasts brighter days ahead for reforming antiquated U.S. toxics law

Despite the serious failings of the 30-year old Toxic Substances Control Act and a chilly political climate, CIEL finds reason for optimism about overhauling federal law on dangerous chemicals. Cloudy Skies, Chance of Sun: A Forecast for U.S. Reform of Chemicals Policy, highlights bold political steps by state and local governments, business leaders, and a … Read More.

The WTO dispute panel issues its final ruling on the European Communities – Measures affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (EC-Biotech) case

EC-Biotech Panel reportedly confirms most of the findings of its Interim Report May 24, 2006 The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Panel issued its final ruling on May 10th in the European Communities – Measures affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (EC-Biotech) case. Reports indicate that while the Panel’s final ruling maintains … Read More.

CIEL publishes first in-depth analysis of the EC-Biotech Interim Report

March 31, 2006 On February 7, 2006, a Dispute Settlement Panel at the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued the interim report in the European Communities – Measures affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (EC-Biotech) case. Interim reports in the WTO contain all of the elements of a final report, but are released only … Read More.

Results and recommendations of the EU’s Sustainablity Impact Assessments must feed into trade policy-making and negotiations

March 28, 2006 On 21-22 March 2006 the European Commission organized the EU TRADE Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Stocktaking Conference. The two-day discussions focused to a great extent on the question of whether trade SIAs were, in fact, feeding into policy making. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and many other participants were of … Read More.

CIEL is participating in crucial meetings in Dubai to win support for a strategic approach to chemicals management around the world

CIEL in Dubai for Global Chemical Meetings Capping a three year process, governments, international organizations, industries, environmental health advocates, and other civil society representatives are meeting at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) in Dubai, February 4-6, 2006. The goal is to adopt an international strategy for minimizing the harmful effects of chemicals on … Read More.

Environment and Trade: A Guide to WTO Jurisprudence (December 2005) is a new publication authored by CIEL lawyers, and published by Earthscan Publications Ltd

January 2006 This book is a comprehensive guide to environment and trade jurisprudence, providing  thorough coverage of WTO rulings and impacts. More specifically, the guide examines the significant impacts that international trade rules have on environmental law and policy at the domestic, regional and global levels, analyzing how environment-related questions have been treated under the … Read More.

Inuit File Petition with Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Claiming Global Warming Caused by United States Is Destroying Their Culture and Livelihoods

December 7, 2005 MONTREAL —  Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, the elected Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC), today announced that a petition has been filed with the Washington, DC-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The petition seeks relief from violations of the human rights of Inuit resulting from global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions … Read More.

CIEL Facilitates the 2005 UNEP North American Regional Civil Society Consultation

October 2005 On 28 October 2005, CIEL Senior Attorney Glenn Wiser served as Facilitator for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) North American Regional Civil Society Consultation in Washington, DC. Sixty representatives of 41 organizations participated in this year’s Consultation, which was convened by the UNEP Regional Office of North America (RONA) and hosted by … Read More.

68 Civil society groups submit open letter slamming WTO procedural irregularities in GATS negotiations — WTO Director General responds

Update 23 November 2005: WTO Director General Pascal Lamy’s response to the letter 1 November 2005 Civil society groups today are sending the WTO Director General Pascal Lamy an open letter (available in English, French and Spanish) slamming the highly undemocratic and deceptive process used to manufacture the services section of the draft Ministerial Declaration … Read More.

Civil society organizations promote clear and objective guidelines for adequate access to information and public participation at the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants

Open Letter to Member States of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) October 25, 2005 On October 27, 2005, the Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Council for the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) will address the rules governing public participation and access to … Read More.

CIEL calls on Congress to demonstrate “essential elements of U.S. leadership” in implementing legislation for the Stockholm Convention on POPs

CIEL Joins Three Dozen NGOs on Congressional Letter Calling for Renewed U.S. Leadership on POPs September 7, 2005 A letter from 37 environmental health groups to Senate and House leaders calls on Congress to ensure that implementing legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) restores U.S. leadership in this critical chemical safety … Read More.

ICSID Tribunal Affirms its Power to Admit Amicus Curiae Participation

June 1, 2005 On 19 May 2005, an ICSID tribunal for the first time has decided that it has the power to accept amicus curiae briefs from civil society organizations, even in the face of objections from parties. The ICSID tribunal’s decision came in response to a petition for transparency and public participation presented in … Read More.

New Studies Reveal Toxic Contamination Of Free-Range Eggs in 17 Countries;International Meeting 2-6 May to Address Global Problem

For Immediate Release, 25 April 2005 (Washington, D.C.) Free-range chicken eggs in chemical “hot spots” around the world contain traces of highly toxic chemicals at alarming levels – many at levels that far exceed European Union (EU) proposed or existing limits, according to two new studies by the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN). The studies … Read More.

Ensuring the incorporation of biodiversity in the World Trade Organisation

April 26, 2005 There is an urgent need for concrete steps to achieve mutual supportiveness between the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Trade Organisation Melendez Ortiz (ICTSD), the facilitators of a workshop on the linkages between the international trade and biodiversity regimes during this year’s annual WTO Public Symposium. Of particular urgency … Read More.

Aarhus Convention: The Working Group of the Parties fails to reach agreement regarding genetically modified organisms at February 2005 meeting in Geneva

Fourth meeting of the Working Group of the Parties Geneva, 1-4 February 2005 A central pillar of the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters adopted on 25th June 1998 (Aarhus Convention) is to provide for public participation in decision-making on environmental matters. However, decisions … Read More.

CIEL and its Argentine Partners request trasparency and participation in the ICSID Suez case affecting access to water and sanitation in Buenos Aires

February 2005 Consumers and human rights organizations have petitioned an arbitral investment tribunal administered by the World Bank International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), requesting transparency and participation in the arbitration proceedings initiated by privatized public services companies against Argentina. On January 27, 2005, the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), the … Read More.

CIEL Participates in Experts Meeting on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Development Agenda and Treaty On Access To Knowledge

February 4, 2005 An Experts Meeting on the WIPO Development Agenda and Treaty on Access to Knowledge (A2K) was held from February 3-4, 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was organized by the Consumer Project on Technology (CPTech), Third World Network (TWN), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The purpose of … Read More.

Inuit Leader Sheila Watt-Cloutier announces Intention to File a Human Right Claim Against the U.S. for Its Dangerous Greenhouse Gas Emissions at a CIEL-sponsored event at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

December 15, 2004, Buenos Aires, Argentina Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, elected Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC), announced tonight that the ICC will soon petition the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, seeking a declaration that emissions of greenhouse gases that are destroying the Inuit way of life are a violation of human rights. Ms. Watt-Cloutier made … Read More.

CIEL and other civil society organizations express concerns over USTR’s proposed appellate mechanism in the investment chapter of the Dominican Republic / Central American – U.S. Free Trade Agreement

December 7, 2004 The Honorable Robert Zoellick United States Trade Representative 600 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20508 Dear Ambassador Zoellick: We are writing to express our views regarding the proposed appellate mechanism for the Investment Chapter of the Dominican Republic and Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). We believe that an inappropriately designed appellate … Read More.

CIEL attends the Fourth Meeting of the Aarhus Convention’s Working Group on Genetically Modified Organisms on 18th to 20th October, 2004

October 2004 By Fiona Marshall, Fellow, Center for International Environmental Law A central pillar of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Aarhus Convention) is to provide for public participation in decision-making on environmental matters. However, decisions on … Read More.

CIEL and the Bern Declaration organize roundtables on ways to improve compatibility of the patent system with the CBD

October 29, 2004 During the upcoming Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledgeand Folklore (IGC), which will take place in Geneva from November 1-5, 2004, CIEL and the Bern Declaration will host a side event focusing on ways the patent system may support the objectives and provisions of the Convention on Biolgoical … Read More.

CIEL joins 41 environmental, health, and labor organizations urging Congress to support effective legislation to implement the Stockholm POPs Convention

September 2004 Advocates for Environmental Human Rights • Alaska Community Action on Toxics • American Rivers • Beyond Pesticides • The Breast Cancer Fund • Center for Environmental Health • Center For Health, Environment and Justice • Center for International Environmental Law • Circumpolar Conservation Union • Citizens’ Environmental Coalition • Clean Production Action • Clean Water Action … Read More.

CIEL and other NGOs support the inclusion of the Development Dimension in the World Intellectual Property Organization

September 27, 2004 The undersigned NGOs fully welcome and support the presentation of a proposal for the Establishment of a “Development Agenda” for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), introduced by Brazil and Argentina. It will be discussed at the WIPO General Assembly beginning on September 27, 2004. Over the last few years developing countries … Read More.

CIEL Helps Protect the Rights of Indigenous Communities Displaced by the Ralco Dam along the Upper BíoBío River in Southern Chile

August 2004 In the upcoming months, the reservoir of the Ralco dam, one of a series of dams along the Upper BíoBío River in Southern Chile, will destroy the pristine mountain ecosystem and will permanently and irreversibly disrupt the semi-nomadic lifestyle and cosmovision of the Mapuche/Pehuenche people. At the same time, the communities affected by … Read More.

In Testimony before Congress, CIEL calls on legislators to reject Republican proposals to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act, and to support a bill that will faithfully reflect the spirit and letter of the Stockholm POPs Convention

July 2004 On July 13, CIEL Senior Attorney Glenn Wiser testified before the House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials on the Chair’s June 17 legislative proposal for amending the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to implement the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Mr. Wiser testified on behalf of CIEL plus several of our … Read More.

Eight states file Global Warming Lawsuit against utilities, bolstering claim by Inuit that US greenhouse gas emissions violate their human rights

July 2004 Eight states – California, Connecticut, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin – and the City of New York filed a claim today against five of the nation’s largest power companies. These companies account for about 10% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, and the lawsuit seeks to compel the utilities … Read More.

California Environmental Law Challenged by Foreign Investors Using NAFTA: Methanex v. United States of America hearing open for public viewing begins Monday, 7 June 2004

June 7, 2004   Contact: Marcos Orellana, Director, Human Rights & Environment Program, [email protected] WHO: Three-Member Arbitral Panel administered by ICSID (International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes) WHAT: Hearing in the case Methanex Corporation v. United States of America WHERE: Ground Floor of the MC Building of the World Bank (adjacent to the … Read More.

Environmental, Consumer, Farm Groups Submit Amicus Brief in Controversial WTO Case Involving Genetically Modified Organisms

June 2, 2004 On the eve of the first hearing in a controversial World Trade Organization (WTO) case challenging European Union (EU) policies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a coalition of environmental, agriculture and consumer organizations submitted an amicus brief challenging the case against the EU. The amicus brief argues that WTO rules must give … Read More.

CIEL Celebrates Entry into Force of Persistent Organic Pollutants Treaty

May 17, 2005 After years of effort by governments, indigenous organizations, and environment and health groups throughout the world, a milestone in international chemicals management was reached today when the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) entered into force. “This landmark treaty addresses an entire class of some of the most dangerous synthetic chemicals … Read More.

CIEL memorandum, “Analysis of Department of Justice Letter Regarding the Constitutionality of Mandatory Notice and Comment Provisions Proposed in Implementing Legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)”

April 5, 2004 Subject: Analysis of Department of Justice Letter Regarding the Constitutionality of Mandatory Notice and Comment Provisions Proposed in Implementing Legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Prepared by: Glenn Wiser, Senior Attorney, CIEL   This memorandum critiques arguments contained in a letter dated March 25, 2004 from William Moschella, … Read More.

Eighteen of America’s most prominent environmental organizations express deep concerns about the Bush Administration’s approach towards implementing the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

American Rivers * Center for International Environmental Law * Defenders of Wildlife * Environmental Defense * Environmental Working Group * Friends of the Earth * Greenpeace * League of Conservation Voters * National Environmental Trust * National Wildlife Federation * Natural Resources Defense Council * Oceana * The Ocean Conservancy * Pesticide Action Network North … Read More.

CIEL confirms that Bush Administration’s claims on constitutionality of proposed Stockholm Convention legislation have no basis in U.S. law

Memorandum April 5, 2004   Subject: Analysis of Department of Justice Letter Regarding the Constitutionality of Mandatory Notice and Comment Provisions Proposed in Implementing Legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Prepared by: Glenn Wiser, Senior Attorney, CIEL   This memorandum critiques arguments contained in a letter dated March 25, 2004 from … Read More.

Separate Comments on the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement

April 6, 2004 We agree with some portions of the TEPAC Report and disagree with other portions. We also have additional views on some issues that are either not touched upon or referenced only briefly in the Report, but which we believe that Congress should consider. We are thus submitting these additional comments based on … Read More.

Public interest groups reject the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s February 25th draft amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that would implement the Stockholm POPs Convention

OCEANA * WORLD WILDLIFE FUND * BEYOND PESTICIDES * NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST * CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW * PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY * 20/20 VISION * DEPARTMENT OF THE PLANET EARTH * PESTICIDE ACTION NETWORK NORTH AMERICA * DELTA INSTITUTE * ARIZONA TOXICS INFORMATION * SIERRA CLUB * ALASKA COMMUNITY ACTION ON TOXICS Re: … Read More.

Groups Defend California’s Right to Protect Public Health: Canadian Corporation’s NAFTA Suit Threatens State Sovereignty

March 10, 2004 Contact Info: Martin Wagner, Earthjustice 510-550-6714 Marcos Orellana, Center for International Environmental Law, 202-785-8700 Elisa Lynch, Bluewater Network 415-544-0790 x15 Adrienne Bloch, Communities for a Better Environment, 510-302-0430 x203 San Francisco, CA– A coalition of environmental groups presented arguments today to the NAFTA dispute resolution panel hearing a foreign corporation’s challenge to … Read More.

CIEL provides Separate Comments to TEPAC Reports on the recently completed U.S. – Australia Free Trade Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreement

March 23, 2004 CIEL, in its role on the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC), helped shape TEPAC’s advice letters to Congress on the U.S.- Australia Free Trade Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). In a separate statement attached to the report, CIEL argues that the investment provisions of the agreements … Read More.

CIEL works to advance specific human rights of indigenous peoples at the Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 7) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

February 1, 2004   The Conference of the Parties is the highest decision-making body of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the protection of biodiversity as a foundation for ecosystem and human health. To date the Conference of the Parties has held 6 ordinary meetings, and one extraordinary meeting to adopt the Biosafety Protocol. … Read More.

Persistent Organic Pollutants treaty achieves fiftieth ratification; Stockholm POPs Convention set to enter into force May 17, 2004

February 17, 2004 After years of effort by governments, indigenous organizations, and environment and health groups throughout the world, a milestone in international chemicals management was reached this week when France became the fiftieth country to ratify the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS). “This landmark treaty addresses an entire class of some of … Read More.

CIEL and partner organizations urge the United States Congress to oppose the recently completed Central American Free Trade Agreement, which threatens to undermine environmental protections in both the U.S. and Central America

RE: Oppose the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) – Recently Released Text Falls Short on Environment February 17, 2004 Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of our millions of members, we are writing to express our opposition to the recently released text of the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The agreement would allow … Read More.

In an unprecedented decision, the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes allows limited public participation in the Methanex vs. the United States case

February 10, 2004 On January 30, 2004, the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) adopted procedures (http://www.worldbank.org/icsid/methanex.htm) for non-disputing party participation set out in part B of the Statement of the NAFTA Free Trade Commission on such participation regarding the Methanex vs. the United States case. In October of 2000, Earthjustice assisted … Read More.

Prepatory Committee for UNCTAD XI Hearing: Statement of Stephen Porter

January 16, 2004 Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for the opportunity to address you today. I will briefly introduce my organization, the Center for International Environmental Law, and then address three specific topics: investment, the recent trend towards bilateral trade and investment agreements, and a few comments on the environmental … Read More.