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CAFTA


Free trade zone workers in Nicaragua are without rights
The entry into force in 2006 of the CAFTA-DR represented a notable boost to Nicaraguan exports of products made in companies that operate under the free trade zone regime, which required the hiring of a lot of labor.
A mining lawsuit in Guatemala shows how trade courts put big corporations first
Local resisters are calling for a different economic model — one that prioritizes clean water and soil, healthy communities, peace, dignity, and self-determination.
Notice of intent to submit claims to arbitration pursuant to article 10.16 of the CAFTA-DR
In accordance with the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement, Honduras Próspera Inc. and its affiliates submit to the Republic of Honduras this written notice of their intention to submit claims to arbitration.
US pressuring new left-wing Honduras government over privatized cities
US senators argue that abolishing special economic zones known as ZEDEs would violate the provisions of CAFTA-DR, including the provision ensuring “fair and equitable treatment and full protection and security.”
KCA, a Reno Nevada based mining company, suspended gold mine in Guatemala
However, locals feel latent tension that the imminent consultation process or the arbitration suit could revive earlier threats, violence, and legal persecution from company employees and contractors.
Congress could consider CAFTA-DR changes
A recent report lays out several changes that lawmakers could consider to the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement between the US and six Latin American countries, but as yet there is no clear path forward on any such measures in Congress.
US analyzes excluding Nicaragua from CAFTA for exchange with Russian troops
Joe Biden’s government is analyzing the possibility of launching "strong measures" against Managua at the invitation of external armies, especially "one that has invaded another country," says a US official.
Honduran President wants review of trade agreement with US
Honduran President wants to review her country’s 2004 trade agreement with the United States, known as the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
Honduran government repeals ZEDEs law amid warnings of free trade agreement rights and arbitration
The ZEDEs are free from import and export taxes, but could set up their own internal forms of government, as well as courts, security forces, schools and even social security systems.
Guatemalan water defenders celebrate 10 years of resistance
An attempted assassination, criminalization, and violent eviction in 2014 didn’t stop the Peaceful Resistance of La Puya in Guatemala, which won legal action suspending harmful mining activities.
What is the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)?
The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is a deal between the US, five Central American nations — Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua — and the Dominican Republic.
Corporate power and abuse is a root cause of migration
To seriously address the roots and causes of migration, it is urgent to dismantle the neoliberal rules which grant excessive privileges to transnational corporations.
A new environmentalist playbook
An improbable victory in El Salvador offers lessons for grassroots activists worldwide.
Mining injustice through international arbitration
El Tambor is a controversial gold mining project in Guatemala. After years of local protests and litigation, it was halted in 2016 for lack of prior consultation with Indigenous people.
FTA partners continue to buy more than half of US grains
FTA partners purchased 55% of total US grains in all forms exports in 2018-19 marketing year.
Guatemalan water protectors persist, despite mining company threats
The hard work of protecting water and land from the long-term harms associated with gold and silver mining takes place daily on the frontlines of tenacious struggles throughout Latin America and around the world.
Central American nation Costa Rica seeks Preferential Trade Agreement with India
Recognising the huge potential and opportunities in trade and investments, Central American nation Costa Rica seeks Preferential Trade Agreement with India.
Report: US free trade pact means junk food for developing nations
The US is exporting ever-more processed foods, as well as meat, to the region, while making it harder for farmers there to supply healthy foods for the local market.
Trans-local mining activism connects Nevada and Guatemala in growing movement of resource nationalism
In December of 2018, KCA filed a $300 million-dollar arbitration claim against the government of Guatemala under CAFTA-DR.
Climate change, CAFTA and forced migration
Climate change and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) have destabilized the economies and lives of many in Central America and are driving migration.