Binding UN treaty sought to hold multinationals accountable for abuses
A Filipino lawmaker is advocating for a legally binding UN treaty to hold multinational corporations accountable for human rights and labor abuses. The proposal seeks to prioritize human rights protections over the financial interests of foreign investors.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between global trade agreements and the enforcement of human rights standards in developing nations.
A LAWMAKER on Wednesday called for a legally binding international treaty that would hold multinational corporations accountable for human rights and labor abuses, arguing that workers’ rights and environmental protection should take precedence over foreign business interests.
In a statement, Party-list Rep. Haima “Dadah” Kiram Ismula said during negotiations at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva that existing international trade and investment agreements often allow foreign corporations to protect their financial interests while victims of corporate abuses struggle to obtain justice.
“For the average Filipino, this fight at the UN is a matter of life, decent work, and justice,” Ms. Ismula said in Filipino.
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