News
CI calls on Rio+20 to implement UN guidelines on sustainable consumption
01 Nov 2011
CI has joined a host of other NGOs, coalitions and
pressure groups in submitting its recommendations on
sustainable development to Rio+20. This 'Zero Draft' consultation
is viewed by many as a key part in the processes of influencing any
agreement that can be reached at next June's UN Earth Summit in
Rio.
Drawing on two decades of work of sustainable
development, CI is calling on the Rio+20 process to put
consumers and consumption patterns at the heart of decision-making
on sustainable development.
CI believes the rights and responsibilities of consumers can and
must play a pivotal role in making this great leap to a sustainable
future. What and how we consume must be a cornerstone of the
transition to a green economy that puts human well-being and social
equity at its heart, while progressively reducing our individual
and collective impact on the environment.
To this end, CI wants to see the following agreed at Rio+20:
1. An explicit commitment to measures that will support
sustainable consumption, including the full implementation of
section G of the UN guidelines for consumer
protection.
Secured by CI in 1999, section G of the UN guidelines remains a
key principle of the consumer movements fight for more sustainable
modes of production and consumption:
"Governments, in partnership with business and relevant
organizations of civil society, should develop and implement
strategies that promote sustainable consumption through a mix of
policies that could include regulations; economic and social
instruments; sectorial policies in such areas as land use,
transport, energy, and housing; information programmes to raise
awareness of the impact of consumption patterns; removal of
subsidies that promote unsustainable patterns of consumption and
production; and promotion of sector-specific environmental
management best practices".
2. Support for, and endorsement of, an
ambitious 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on Sustainable
Consumption and Production.
In 2002, governments at the Johannesburg summit called for the
development of a 10-year framework of programmes in support of
regional and national initiatives to accelerate the shift towards
sustainable patterns of consumption and production. CI has been
working as part of the
Marrakech Process on developing the framework and now wants to
see the programme implemented in a systematic and integrated manner
with the proper involvement of national consumer organisations.
Read CI's full Zero Draft Submission.
CI has also joined forces with international labour groups,
environment NGOs, academic institutes, businesses and various UN
bodies to submit recommendations as part of the Green
Economy Coalition (GEC).
The GEC Zero Draft Submission has adopted CI's
call for the full implementation of section G of the UN guidelines
for consumer protection, along with broader demands that
incorporate labour, environmental and governance issues.
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