On June 30, 2019, the European Union and Vietnam signed the free trade agreement, also known as the EU-Vietnam trade agreement. The agreement aimed to remove most tariffs on goods traded between the two regions and increase market access for both parties. However, many human rights organizations raised concerns about the impact of the deal on human rights in Vietnam.
Vietnam has a long history of restricted political freedom, censorship, and suppression of human rights defenders. In 2019, the country was ranked 176th out of 190 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. Freedom of association, assembly, and speech are often restricted, and human rights activists are frequently harassed, detained, and imprisoned.
The EU-Vietnam trade agreement has been criticized for lacking sufficient human rights protections. The agreement includes a section on sustainable development, which covers issues such as labor rights, environmental protection, and corporate social responsibility. However, critics argue that the section is weak and lacks enforceable provisions.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called on the European Union to use the trade agreement as an opportunity to pressure Vietnam to improve its human rights record. They have also urged the European Union to set up a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the trade agreement is not used to further restrict human rights in Vietnam.
The EU has stated that it will use the trade agreement as leverage to push for human rights improvements in Vietnam. The agreement includes a clause that allows either party to suspend the agreement in the event of a serious breach of human rights or labor standards. However, there are concerns that the EU may not be willing to use this clause, as it could harm trade relations with Vietnam.
Overall, the EU-Vietnam trade agreement has raised important questions about the relationship between trade and human rights. While the agreement has the potential to bring economic benefits to both regions, it is crucial that human rights are not sacrificed in the process. The EU must use its leverage to push for meaningful human rights improvements in Vietnam and ensure that the trade agreement does not contribute to further human rights violations.