Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

ights and democratic principles should form the basis of the agreement. In 2003, all
EU member states agreed a position on the inclusion of such human rights clauses
in all EU–third country agreements, except sector-specific agreements such as steel
and fisheries. This position was subsequently reinforced in 2009 in the “Common
Approach on the Use of Political Clauses”. To date, 45 framework agreements
containing such a clause have been agreed with more than 120 countries. The
clauses provide a peg for dialogue, allowing the EU to engage positively with the
third country on human rights. In extreme circumstances, the agreement can also be
suspended in the event of a serious breach of the clause.
Since 1995, negative measures have been implemented under the human rights
clause framework agreement on 22 occasions, most frequently in response to a
coup d’état, for example in the Central African Republic, Fiji and Niger, but also for
flawed electoral processes such as in Haiti and Togo, and for violations of human
rights, as in Liberia and Zimbabwe.
Third-country free trade agreements
The EU is the world’s largest trading bloc and the combined national output of the 27
EU member states accounts for 25% of world GDP. The EU’s founding documents
state that the EU’s commercial policy will be conducted in line with the overriding
principles of respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Trade
agreements with third countries therefore provide important leverage for the EU to
advance global respect for human rights.
The eight core International Labour Organization conventions, on child labour, forced
labour, non-discrimination and basic trade union rights, are covered in the
sustainable development chapter of the EU’s free trade agreements with third
countries. The EU encourages free trade agreement partner countries to engage in
constructive dialogue and cooperation to strengthen compliance with domestic and
international labour standards. The free trade agreements also include specific
mechanisms and structures to monitor and implement the human rights provisions,
which may involve NGOs and independent experts.
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