International Trade and Human Rights

PBS aired a news piece recently that spoke to the human rights abuses in textiles factories in Cambodia. 

How do human rights abuses affect international trade?

 Maltreatment of apparel workers in the developing world as well as here in the US is common practice and has been for decades. 

How do we as a country that prides itself on labor laws and OSHA regulations (the "healthy workplace" standards in the US) so easily ignore this reality when we as consumers can have a direct impact in trade and overseas production if we speak with our wallets?

Doesn’t money talk?

Indeed it does, as many licensors know who place manufacturing requirements in its contracts with importers in an attempt to improve the working conditions of overseas laborers.  (See my article here for more information.)

Many importers of both unfinished and finished products, as well as agribusiness, see Africa as the “new frontier”. 

What I would like to know is:  Will we do it the “right way?”

That is, in a place with loose regulations (at best) will we – those of us going into the many countries that make up Africa – take advantage of the people and their land?

Or, will we create a business environment where human life and dignity are respected and sustainable production is expected, such that the health and welfare of both the people and the environment are respected?

In my view, the latter is the only answer, not only from an ethical standpoint but from that of a sustainable business model. 

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com