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Trade policy and human rights

  • Labour Standards
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Intereconomics

Abstract

This year's International Labour Conference from 2nd to 18th June adopted a declaration of principles concerning fundamental workers' rights. What can the World Trade Organisation do to help establish these rights, and what economic effects can be expected?

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References

  1. For an overview of labour standards in historical perspective see D. K. Brown, A. V. Deardorff and R. M. Stern: International Labor Standards and Trade: A Theoretical Analysis, in: J. N. Bhagwati and R. E. Hudec (eds.): Fair Trade and Harmonisation: Prerequisites for Free Trade? Vol. I—Economic Analysis, Cambridge and London 1996, pp. 229–236.

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  3. Ibid., K. A. Swinnerton: An Essay on Economic Efficiency and Core Labour Standards, The World Economy, Vol. 20, No. 1, 1997, pp. 76–78.

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  23. Ibid., D. K. Brown, A. V. Deardorff and R. M. Stern, op. cit., International Labor Standards and Trade: A Theoretical Analysis, in: J. N. Bhagwati and R. E. Hudec (eds.): Fair Trade and Harmonisation: Prerequisites for Free Trade? Vol. I—Economic Analysis, Cambridge and London 1996, pp. 272.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Zurich, Switzerland

    Michael Leicht

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  1. Michael Leicht
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The author would like to thank Ms. Liana Simopoulos, Administrator DG I, European Commission and Prof. André Sapir, President of the Institut d'études européennes, Université Libre de Bruxelles and Economic Advisor to the European Commission for their kindness in discussing this issue with him despite diverging views.

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Leicht, M. Trade policy and human rights. Intereconomics 33, 171–176 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02929510

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