The decision taken this week by the European Commission to launch an investigation into what it calls evidence of “serious and systemic violations of core human rights and labour rights in Cambodia” caused barely a ripple in this part of the world. In 2002, Canada imported $20.9 million worth of goods from the country, the vast majority of which were clothing imports. The trade arrangement grants duty-free and quota-free access for all goods, with the exception of arms and ammunition. What it does do is trigger a six-month period of what the European Commission calls “intensive monitoring and engagement.” That engagement will examine human rights and labour rights, including the rights of political participation, and the freedoms of assembly, expression and association. Labour protections and human rights for all were promised as part of Canada’s renewed and refreshed place in the world.

Source: thestar February 12, 2019 20:03 UTC