LATIN AMERICAN DECLARATION ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS 
1. Reject genetic engineering technology to be ethically questionable that violates the integrity of human life, of species that have lived on earth for millions of years and of ecosystems.
2. This technology is part consistent and exacerbates the development process of globalization based on the inequality of the regions, the exploitation of human beings and nature and the subordination of local economies and traditional rural third world development of agro-industries (and other industries ), depending on the profits of big business.
3. Genetic manipulation is a technology imposed by commercial interests is not necessary and makes us dependent on transnational corporations that generate, endangering autonomy to decide on our production systems and food security. Particularly in the case of agriculture, traditional technological alternatives that do not pose risks and are compatible with biodiversity conservation.
4. Although part of the same reductionist logic of the Green Revolution, genetic engineering is radically different from conventional breeding.
5. Science is not able to predict the risks and impacts that may result in environmental release of genetically modified organisms on biodiversity, human and animal health, the environment or in production systems and security food.
6. The release of transgenic seeds is an extremely serious threat if released in countries of our region that are centers of origin and diversification of crops and wild relatives, where they can cause a dangerous and irreversible genetic pollution.
7. The introduction of transgenic organisms to markets made possible by the existence of intellectual property laws privatize life breaking the basic ethical principles and values \u200b\u200bof respect for the integrity of it, therefore reject all forms of intellectual property on life.
8. The introduction of GM crops destroyed traditional production systems and rural economies violating family among others, the collective rights set forth in the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention 169 of the International Labour Conventions on Human Rights, among others.
9. Similarly, the introduction of transgenic organisms subvert the continuity of cultural practices and traditional technology, farmers, peasants, indigenous communities, local black, retain, use, improve, innovate and share their seeds, by violating their rights millenary which have been recognized in International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources and the Convention of Biological Diversity in Article 8 (j)
10. Moreover, the introduction of large-scale production systems based on the use of transgenic organisms is a serious threat to national economies of the countries of the region.
11. Warn about the extreme danger, and we condemn the impending introduction of new techniques of control on gene expression, such as the one known as "Terminator" and other "designed to produce sterile seeds, with the sole purpose of consolidating the monopoly power the cartel seed global. Before
this demand:
- failure to introduce GMOs in areas where it has not yet happened.
- To respect the right of local and national governments to reject the introduction of GMOs in their territory.
- declare a moratorium on the release and trade of GMOs and their products, until there is complete evidence of its safety and absence of risks, and that our societies have had the opportunity to meet and discuss informed decisions about these technologies, risks and impacts and to exercise their right to decide on its use.
- That all decisions with the use, handling and release of transgenic organisms should be consulted and informed participation of all sectors of society that may be adversely affected, because genetic manipulation is a risk that can lead to unpredictable and irreversible impacts.
Annex on the Biosafety Protocol
reject strict form of genetic manipulation and environmental release of transgenic organisms.
We also find that this has already happened in illegally-certified or non-serious risks to societies and ecosystems in the geographic areas exposed to it.
Considering these fait accompli and that the scope of the Convention on Biological Diversity is currently debating a binding Protocol on Biosafety, we propose the following demands to be taken into account in this protocol.
A. The core of any policy related to biosafety, including the Protocol, should be the precautionary principle.
B. Its scope includes the research, handling, use, transfer, release into the environment, transboundary movements and labeling.
C. That includes all living genetically modified organisms, dead, parts (eg, trace DNA, plasmids, attenuated virus, inserts etc.) And products derivatives.
D. Assessment and risk management must consider a holistic way all aspects of biosafety, including interactions in the environment, biodiversity, cultural aspects, human health and food security.
E. Should ensure the effective protection of local and traditional agricultural systems, food security and ensure human and collective rights.
F. The agreements and biosafety considerations and multilateral environmental agreements take precedence over trade agreements and policies.
G. Mechanisms ensuring transparency of information relevant to the interests citizens, especially in relation to assessment and risk management, contingency plans and mitigation measures.
H. To respect the right of countries to decide on the investigation, handling, use, transportation, environmental release and transboundary movement, in a sovereign manner and with the previously reported involvement of the sectors of society that may be adversely affected and not have profit interests in these transactions.
I. To identify efficient mechanisms for identifying and assigning responsibilities and sanctions, including financial responsibility for the countries and exporting companies and generating technologies, and to establish dispute resolution mechanisms that effectively protect the rights of potentially affected parties. These mechanisms should cover liability for environmental damage, economic and cultural. J.
Establish effective mechanisms to monitor, inspect and penalize illegal movements of GMOs.
K. This protocol should apply to all countries and trading blocs.
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