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Another promising option can be found in the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, concluded in October. Rather than uncritically endorsing national standards or relegating labor rights to a side accord, as does the North American Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Jordan accord incorporates core international labor rights standards in its body and insists that domestic laws uphold them. The parties explicitly recognize that "it is inappropriate to encourage trade by relaxing domestic labor laws" and vow not to do so. The agreement establishes consultative and adjudicative processes to address violations and allows unilateral sanctions in the event of breaches. But sanctions can be applied only if a violation of the accord "severely distorts the balance of trade benefits" or "substantially undermines the fundamental objectives" of the agreement -- both quite high bars. The agreement also precludes judicial remedies for breaches, leaving it exclusively to governments to challenge violations. Next Section - International Financial Institutions |
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Introduction The Global Economy A Human Rights Framework Need for Stronger Institutions Voluntary Codes of Conduct The OECD Anti-Corruption Model The U.S.-Jordan Trade Pact International Financial Institutions From Voluntarism to Enforcement North-South Collusion International Justice International Tribunals National Justice Efforts Disappointments Conclusion Human Rights Defenders International Criminal Court Ratification Campaign Stop the Use of Child Soldiers The Campaign to Ban Landmines |
BACK TO TOP Copyright © 2001 Human RIghts Watch |
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