Brussels, 28/01/2016 (Agence Europe) - A report (the first of its kind) unveiled jointly by the European Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) on Thursday 28 January highlights the progress over the 2014-2015 period by the 14 developing countries that are beneficiaries of the EU's scheme of preferences for tariffs (GSP+). The GSP+ was designed to encourage third countries to comply with core international standards in the areas of human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance.
The report (available at: http://goo.gl/C5a2jV ) details the efforts made by each of these 14 countries (Armenia, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Georgia, Guatemala, Mongolia, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, and El Salvador) to strengthen their domestic institutions responsible for the effective implementation of 27 key international conventions - including United Nations (UN) conventions on human rights and the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The report also shows the improvement in relations between these countries and the international bodies (especially various UN agencies) in charge of monitoring the implementation of these 27 conventions, and it gives an update on these countries' progress in reporting.
In the Commission's view, “with this report, we have identified shortcomings, which equips us with better knowledge and tools to make improvements in the years to come”. “All 14 countries that benefit from this arrangement have made significant efforts to improve the situation (…) However, the situation is far from perfect. Progress is slow”, warned European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström. In the areas where progress has been the slowest, the Commission will engage in dialogue with the countries concerned so as to find solutions in order to accelerate the process, Malmström states.
The 14 GSP+ beneficiary countries, as well as the EU, international institutions and civil society organisations, will be able to respond to the findings of the report. Together with the EEAS, the Commission will ensure follow-up on the areas the report identifies for improvement.
In addition, the Commission will continue its practical support to the GSP+ countries through capacity-building projects in partnership with the ILO. These projects include support for administrative structures (in Guatemala, Mongolia, Pakistan and El Salvador) and the participation of civil society in improving human rights and labour rights in the 14 countries. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)