CAFTA Negotiations Present Opportunity to Raise Labor Standards

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October 14, 2003 11:12AM EDT | Background Briefing

CAFTA Negotiations Present Opportunity to Raise Labor Standards

A Human Rights Watch Briefing Paper

In January 2003, U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) negotiations began among the United States, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The final negotiating round is scheduled for early December 2003. CAFTA presents an important opportunity to raise labor standards throughout Central America. Free trade alone, however, cannot guarantee greater respect for workers’ rights. Instead, meaningful protections for workers’ human rights should be built into CAFTA.

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