This chapter examines the various ways in which European Union trade policy is used to leverage human rights, with a specific focus on the use of conditionality in bilateral and unilateral trade instruments. Bilateral instruments studied are the human rights clauses and ‘trade and sustainable development’ chapters in free trade agreements, as well as the provisions relating to foreign direct investment. Unilateral instruments studied are the various versions of Generalised Scheme of Preferences. For each of these instruments, the chapter presents the current state of play, discusses key challenges to effectively promote human rights, and reflects on opportunities for reform. This chapter then formulates recommendations, insisting on the need for more precise and more ambitious commitments, a more systematic and inclusive approach towards monitoring and enforcement; and a more targeted sanctioning system.
Tropical forests and trade policy: The legality of unilateral attempts to promote sustainable development under the GATT
