Abstract
Historically, trade agreements primarily focused on facilitating economic exchange between nations, with little direct consideration given to the treatment of individuals within those countries. Issues of human rights were often addressed through separate channels such as boycotts, NGO campaigns, international pressure, and United Nations interventions, but were not inherently linked to trade agreements themselves. Over time, the adoption of sanctions and other unilateral trade measures aimed at enhancing transparency concerning human rights abuses in foreign supply chains has gained traction, particularly in the United States and the European Union. These jurisdictions frequently apply sanctions for diverse purposes, including fostering democratic ideals, penalizing oppressive regimes, and ensuring that domestic corporations adhere to universal standards in their global supply networks.
Labor rights in particular have become a focal point of U.S. trade policy. As globalization progressed a stark realization emerged: labor rights, especially in the manufacturing sector, were not just peripheral concerns but critical inputs in the production and trade of goods.