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Free-trade agreements processes

Since the beginning of the 1990s, the need to create a minimum social foundation for the development of trade – including safeguards against “social dumping” – has resulted in the signing of an increasing number of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which include a labour dimension, either in the agreement itself or in a parallel agreement (see the ILO Hub on Labour Provisions in Trade Agreements, which includes over 320 trade agreements). Such “labour provisions” list minimum commitments to respect but also promote fundamental principles and rights at work, often with reference to specific international labour standards. At times, these provisions together with “sustainability provisions” of FTAs provide a framework for dialogue with civil society on issues relevant to international trade and fundamental labour rights, and for governing the cooperation between the signatory parties. This dialogue and cooperation can be translated into development cooperation, technical assistance, exchange of information and best practice, research and actions aimed at promoting labour rights (such as training and guides for labour inspectors and the social partners). Some FTAs may also include commitments related to monitoring and processing sanctions in the event of non-compliance.
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The annual Open Session with civil society organizations and the European Union Domestic Advisory Group (EU-DAG) within the comprehensive trade agreement with Colombia, Peru and Ecuador and the European Union (EU)
Discussions conducted within the framework of the Open Session with civil society organizations and the European Union Domestic Advisory Group (EU-DAG), are a form of cross-border social dialogue established in the context of the…
The annual Open Session with civil society organizations within the Trade Agreement between Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Discussions conducted within the framework of the “Open Session with civil society organisations” constitute an opportunity for cross-border social dialogue in the context of the Trade Agreement between Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and…
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