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Can International Trade Law be used to promote social justice and human rights in trading relationships?

Kanesha Qualtro

Dear friend,

I believe that International Trade Law can indeed be used to promote social justice and human rights in trading relationships. International trade can have a significant impact on the lives of people, ranging from the quality of goods and services available to community development and employment opportunities. However, trade can also lead to negative consequences, including labor exploitation, environmental degradation, and violations of human rights.

Trade agreements, conventions, and policies are created to promote fairness, equality, and respect for human rights. For instance, in 2010, the International Labour Organization (ILO) created the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization, which aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion through fair labor laws and working conditions. The United Nations Global Compact is another example of a set of principles to guide businesses to respect and promote human rights.

International Trade Law efforts are crucial in ensuring that international trade is fair, sustainable and that it meets its objectives of promoting social justice and human rights. For instance, trade agreements that specify clear environmental and safety standards, and working conditions for workers in trade industries, are designed to promote social justice, protect the environment, and secure human rights. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the institution that oversees the regulation of international trade, its policies, and disputes between member states. Through its various mechanisms, the WTO ensures that its member states comply with their obligations under trade agreements and avoid trade practices that could be detrimental to workers’ rights, human rights, and the environment.

It is also worth considering the benefits of civic engagement and responsible corporate practices concerning human rights in the supply chain. For example, companies can actively work to ensure that their products are manufactured ethically and legally, and support the rights of workers along the supply chain. This can be ascertained by ensuring that workers are paid a living wage, work in healthy and safe environments, and that they have the right to collective bargaining where possible. Civic action can also influence international trade laws and conventions, by raising the profile of trade practices that threaten social justice.

In conclusion, International Trade Law can promote social justice and human rights in trading relationships. The WTO plays a vital role in regulating international trade to ensure that trade practices align with ethical treatment of workers and human rights principles. Governments, companies and civic leaders can also work together to lead and support global policies designed to drive responsible business practices in supply chains while eliminating exploitative trade practices. By working together, we can create a trade environment that keeps humanity's key human rights at its core and balances the interests of trading partners in a fair and sustainable way.