Agricultural Trade and Human Rights

This Discussion Paper examines the human rights impacts of international agricultural trade in developing countries. Businesses in importing countries make decisions that affect the incentives for producers to meet human rights standards; yet these businesses are far removed from the communities who depend on trade for their livelihoods. This is especially relevant in the highly vulnerable agricultural sector, where producers lack alternative livelihoods and where international supply chains are long and complicated.

The paper looks at the commercial challenges that undermine human rights and the policy initiatives that are being developed to address these challenges. It identifies a number of areas of concern and provides recommendations for future action.