Global economy and human rights

Mary Robinson

UN Higher Commissioner for Human Rights

Coming to grips with the impact of an increasingly global economy on the enjoyment of human rights is no easy task. There has been too little research to assist our understanding of the role of globalization generally, and trade liberalization specifically in the implementation of human rights standards.

Despite the lack of data, the links between trade, de­velopment, and human rights are increasingly plain to see — from the impact of open markets on jobs in developed count­ries to the implementation of labour and environmental standards in developing countries, from the question of trade- restrictive measures to protect public health to barriers to full participation by developing countries in the interna­tional economic system. These are just some of the difficult issues that must be addressed if we are to ensure that the global economy contributes to the realization of all human rights for all people.

Our point of departure should be that trade and economic growth are not ends in themselves. As the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mike Moore, has pointed out, the international trading system must contribute to better living standards and a safer world and the WTO should reflect the needs of all its members. The 1994 WTO Agree­ment incorporates the objectives of higher standards of living, steady growth of real income, full employment, and economic growth patterns compatible with sustainable development. The Agreement's preamble proclaims that even the least developed countries will share the benefits of global production and trade in goods.

The theme I want to develop in this chapter is that human rights are, indeed, inextricably linked with the international economic system. Human rights provide the common moral and legal underpinnings for the global economy. By inte­grating human rights standards and all aspects of economic policy-making, we will help ensure that markets are not only open and efficient, but also fair and just.

It should be recognized that human rights norms and standards are as relevant to the fields of international trade, finance, and investment as to any other area of human activity. The pursuit of equitable development and fair trade are legitimate human rights concerns. In this respect it is important to note that two trends happening in the world are of crucial importance because they both bring a new degree of urgency to addressing the need for the formulation of effective policies in the area of human rights, trade, and development. The first is the growing determination of the international community that human rights can and should play a central role in the lives of all people and that the mechanisms to deliver a strengthened set of human rights standards should work effectively. The second is the emerging interest that is being taken in improving international financial, trade, and development instruments so that they meet the needs of all of the people on the planet, including the poorest. Recognition of the link between human rights and the international economic system is indeed timely.

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