Billions of Dollars in Trade or Human Rights?

Published on March 23, 2024

Commentary Beijing Foreign Minister, Wang Yi’s, visit to Australia on March 20-21, has again put the spotlight on the intersection of human rights and trade. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights is clear. The first two paragraphs of the Preamble state, “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,” and that, “disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.” If we accept the above, then prioritising trade and disregarding human rights is a threat to freedom, justice, and peace in the world, and can result in barbarous acts which outrage the conscience of mankind.  ...

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