Participation of organizations of the civil society of Honduras in the negotiation and approval of commercial agreements

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to share the key findings of an academic research that analyses the views and development vision of Honduran civil society organizations regarding the processes of negotiation and approval of trade agreements, particularly the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA DR) and the European Union-Central America Association Agreement (AA EU-CA).The theories of Political Economy were used to assess the thrust and characteristics of a different conception of development in contrast to the “development” based on economic growth as proposed by neoliberal globalization. During the negotiations of the above mentioned agreements, civil society organizations defended two positions. On the one hand, outright opposition to the approval of CAFTA DR and AA EU-CA, and the proposal of an alternative development model. On the other hand, a concerted effort by some organizations to influence key actors of the process so that the views of these organizations be included in the final agreements. However the efforts of the organizations were fruitless as the demands of civil society were disregarded in both agreements that were approved by the National Congress. In conclusion, the development vision of the civil society organizations is an important input to the strategies for national development as their views focus on the welfare of human beings, the respect for natural resources and on the role of the state to guarantee human rights and justice for all.