They feel that certain provisions in these agreements cater ‘to the business interests of pharmaceutical monopolies’, which are making medicines expensive
United Nations (UN) experts have raised concern over human rights violation as a result of the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA), including the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). The US-led ongoing TPPA negotiation with Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Brunei, is in the last leg.
During the first week of June, experts emphasised on the need of carrying out human rights impact assessments both before and after FTAs are concluded. This is for governments to explain how they will uphold human rights obligations, if they sign trade and investment agreements, experts said. Trade agreements should include safeguards to ensure full protection and enjoyment of human rights, they added.
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