MANILA, Philippines — Respect for both labor and human rights are important to investors, the European Union reminded the Philippines. It also matters to companies when they invest,” EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said in a press conference on the sidelines of a forum on labor standards and trade. The country’s beneficiary status under the GSP+ necessitates the implementation of 27 international treaties and conventions on human rights, labor rights, environment and governance. Last January, the second biennial GSP report—which reviewed the compliance of beneficiary countries with its obligations—was released by the European Commission and the European External Action Service. EU concluded in its report that the Philippines had made progress on labor rights, environmental protection, gender equality, people trafficking, health, education, social-economic rights and fight against corruption.

Source: Philippine Star June 06, 2018 10:52 UTC