Human Rights Trade Deals 2021-07-20
2021-07-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on inserting clauses to protect human rights in future trade agreements.
What recent discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on inserting clauses on human rights in future trade deals?
FCDO Ministers are in regular contact with Cabinet colleagues on a range of trade-related issues and we are clear that more trade does not have to come at the expense of our commitment to human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about recent discussions or clauses being inserted into trade deals were not provided.
We Are Clear That More Trade Does Not Have To Come At The Expense Of Our Commitment To Human Rights.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Protests in Colombia have faced brutal violence from the police, raising concerns about human rights violations despite a trade agreement with human rights clauses.
Given recent violent protests and human rights abuses in Colombia, will the UK Government signal their commitment to uphold the human rights clause in the UK-Colombia free trade agreement?
Colombia is an FCDO human rights priority country and we take reports of violence against social leaders and human rights defenders seriously. We raise our concerns with the Colombian Government and in multilateral forums, but the UK continues to have open discussions on a range of issues including trade.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments to uphold the human rights clause were not provided.
We Raise Our Concerns With The Colombian Government And In Multilateral Forums.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns that signing trade agreements with countries known for human rights abuses undermines the UK's commitment to human rights.
Will the Minister confirm here and now that it is our foreign policy to defend human rights and the rule of law across the world? Does he agree that without human rights clauses in trade deals, this undermines such a policy?
The UK is proud of its vocal stance on human rights internationally. Having an open trade policy does not contradict our passion for promoting human rights, but the Minister suggests writing to the Department with specific concerns about forthcoming agreements and their human rights elements.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct confirmation or commitments regarding the inclusion of human rights clauses were provided.
If You Have Particular Concerns, Please Feel Free To Write To The Department.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over human rights abuses in Cameroon and whether these were considered before granting a trade deal with the UK.
What level of abuse is acceptable for similar oppressive regimes to grant them a trade deal with the UK, following justifications based on reduced human rights abuses against their people?
We continue to monitor the situation in Cameroon closely and raise our concerns directly with the Cameroonian Government. Increased trade will not come at the expense of our commitment to human rights, but specific details on acceptable levels of abuse were not provided.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific level of abuse was defined or addressed.
We Continue To Monitor And Raise Concerns Directly.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns that the Department for International Trade's statement lacks mention of human rights, slave labour or workers' rights.
In a constructive spirit, I urge an FCDO statement to ensure cooperation between trade and foreign policy areas so future deals can raise standards in vital areas like human rights. Will we see such a statement?
The UK's commitment to human rights is a foundation of its foreign policy, and trade agreements will include exporting our principles. However, specific details about the SNP's stance or an FCDO statement were not provided, only rhetorical responses.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct response was given regarding the cooperation between trade and foreign policy areas or future statements from the FCDO.
The Snp Will Always Find Excuses To Say No To A Deal.
Response accuracy