Letter to Senate Committee on Finance from Bishop Hubbard on Trade Agreements (2011)

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Chairman, Committee of International Justice and Peace, writing on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), addresses upcoming Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with primary focus on the U.S.–Colombia FTA. The letter provides a moral framework rather than a political endorsement or rejection of specific agreements.

The USCCB urges Congress to ensure that any trade agreement—especially with Colombia—advances justice, human dignity, environmental stewardship, and protection of vulnerable communities, rather than exacerbating poverty, displacement, or exploitation.

Key points include: 

1. Moral and Human Dimensions of Trade

• Trade policy should foster integral human development, reduce poverty, and promote peace.
• USCCB emphasizes that the economy must be guided by people-centered ethics, especially prioritizing the poor and vulnerable.

2. Protecting Small Farmers and the Rural Poor

• Colombia has over 4 million internally displaced persons, largely from rural areas.
• Poorly designed trade provisions risk further displacement, especially of small farmers.
• Trade agreements should support farmers’ ability to remain on their land, adapt to markets, and preserve community stability.

3. Risks of Rural Destitution and Coca Production

• Economic desperation may push rural communities toward increased coca production.
• Supporting alternative crops and stable livelihoods aligns with U.S. goals to reduce illicit drug production.

4. Labor Rights and Human Rights Concerns

• Colombia faces ongoing violence against human rights defenders and labor leaders.
• Though protections have improved, impunity remains a concern.
• Trade agreements should strengthen, not weaken, labor conditions and workers’ rights.

5. Environmental Protections

• Extractive industries (palm oil, mining) pose significant risks to rural communities.
• Trade agreements must ensure effective environmental standards, protect local communities, and foster fair competition.

letter-to-senate-committee-on-finance-from-bishop-hubbard-on-trade-agreements-2011-04-16.pdf