(HRW/IFEX) – The following is a Human Rights Watch press release: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH WELCOMES WTO DEAL Presses for Rights Improvements in China (November 15, 1999, New York) – We welcome the deal between the US and China on WTO entry. This agreement is good for trade but also for human rights and the rule […]
(HRW/IFEX) – The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH WELCOMES WTO DEAL
Presses for Rights Improvements in China
(November 15, 1999, New York) – We welcome the deal between the US and China
on WTO entry. This agreement is good for trade but also for human rights and
the rule of law. Over the long term, China’s membership in the WTO could
increase pressure for greater openness, more press freedom, enhanced rights
for workers, and an independent judiciary.
The next step is up to Congress. Before giving China permanent NTR (Normal
Trade Relations) status, we hope Congress will insist on limited, meaningful
steps to improve human rights. For example, within one year of getting
permanent NTR, China should ratify one or both of the two key UN human
rights treaties it has signed, and take other steps. Beijing must respect
both the global rules on trade, and international norms of human rights.
