Written question asked by Baroness Coussins (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 7 June 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 June 2022. It was answered by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 June 2022 on behalf of the Department for International Trade.

Trade Agreements: South America

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provisions for the protection of human rights defenders are included in the United Kingdom–Andean Countries Trade Agreement; and what enforcement measures are in place.

Answer: Respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights underpins the United Kingdom–Andean Countries Trade Agreement. The treaty allows for ‘appropriate measures’ to be taken by any member state ‘in accordance with international law’ where breaches occur. The agreement also includes a Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter, which aims to ensure that both Parties encourage high levels of environmental and labour protection. This chapter provides for an annual TSD Sub-Committee, which is an opportunity for the UK to raise concerns with partner countries where we believe there have been violations of workers’ rights or environmental commitments. The Sub- Committee last met in April 2022.

Secondary information