On 6 November 2018, the Human Rights and Equality Commission took the lead of organizing a co-organized round-table discussion together with Equinet and ENNHRI, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions. The event was hosted by Sajjad Karim MEP , alongside Heidi Hautala MEP, Jean Lambert MEP.
The aim of the event was to develop the idea of a strong nexus between equality, human rights and trade, and discuss best practices for guaranteeing their interdependence. To discuss concrete steps towards ensuring trade negotiations and discussions have a strong equality and human rights component, and to outlining the key aspects and features of a model human rights and democracy clause. Finally, to
consider the above within the context of Brexit.
This seminar considered the following questions and topics:
- What does best practice look like?;
- What consultation mechanisms should be put in place for civil society to bring complaints about alleged breaches?;
- How can we make sure human rights and equality are at the heart of the discussion on trade?;
- What role is there for business and civil society in this?
