African Civil Society Statement on GM 'Food Aid'

[Signed by over 135 African NGOs by Sat 31st Aug]

In support of the Zambian and Zimbabwean Government position to reject food
aid contaminated by genetic engineering

We, African Civil Society groups, participants to the world Summit on
Sustainable Development, composed of more than 45 African countries, join
hands with the Zambian and Zimbabwean governments and their people in
rejecting GE contaminated food for our starving brothers and sisters:

1- We refuse to be used as the dumping ground for contaminated food,
rejected by the Northern countries; and we are enraged by the emotional
blackmail of vulnerable people in need, being used in this way..

2- The starvation period is anticipated to begin early in 2003, so that
there is enough time to source uncontaminated food.

3- There is enough food in the rest of Africa (already offered by Tanzania
and Uganda) to provide food for the drought areas.

4- Our responses is to strengthen solidarity and self reliance with in
Africa, in the face of this next wave of colonization, through GE
technologies, which aim to control our agricultural systems, through the
manipulation of seed by corporations

5- We will stand together in preventing our continent from being
contaminated by genetically engineered crops, as a responsibility to our
future generation.


Contact:
Million Belay - Steering Committee,  African Civil Society Group 083 296 2130