Brussels, 13/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament (EP) could grant its consent to a multi-party free-trade agreement between the EU, Colombia and Peru in October, but Bogota and Lima will first have to pledge to protect human rights, labour rights and the environment. Peruvian President Ollanta Moises Humala Tasso promised efforts to increase democracy, social inclusion and sustainable development in his country.
Concerned at “a weakening of the current binding conditions” on trade and sustainable development in Peru and Colombia, the EP, in a resolution passed on Wednesday 13 June by 525 votes to 94, with 67 abstentions, calls on the governments of the two countries to establish “a transparent and binding roadmap to protect trade unionists, human rights and the environment”. It demands that freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining be guaranteed, along with strict labour inspections, leading to penalties if workers are mistreated. The Parliament also suggests that the parties involved establish independent domestic advisory groups on human rights and democratic principles, which should monitor the implementation of the trade agreement. These groups, the EP adds, should be guaranteed the same level of binding involvement for civil society, as is provided in the free trade agreement with South Korea.
Addressing the Parliament on Wednesday, Peruvian President Humala Tassalo, who has been in post for ten months, promised an active public policy to accompany the free-trade agreement, a policy which would seek to strengthen democracy (including the integration of minorities), reduce poverty, improve social inclusion and also encourage sustainable development and protection of the environment, in particular in the oil and mining sectors. (EH/transl.rt)