The WTO deal reached in Hong Kong yesterday will rollback the enjoyment of human rights around the world, says a coalition of more than 50 human rights and other NGOs.
This failure to achieve a true development outcome is a direct consequence of the WTO members’ refusal to acknowledge the impact of trade policy on human rights.
Despite the announcement of a “development package,” the agreement further restricts the policy space required for national governments to implement their human rights obligations, which are integral to development.
Many developing countries have complained of political pressure exerted by developed country capitals to give further concessions on services and non-agricultural market access (NAMA) in exchange for a limited compromise on agriculture and an illusory deal on access to medicines
Developing countries are being forced to choose between putting food on the table and providing adequate healthcare for their people, Caucus members emphasized. Access to adequate food, health and education are all human rights and must not become bargaining chips in a power game between unequal players.
These flaws in the decision-making process reflect the need for greater participation, accountability and transparency at the WTO.
The Human Rights Caucus demands that a full independent human rights assessment of contentious issues be undertaken before any new negotiation session are scheduled, including an assessment of the international human rights obligations of developed countries.