In a significant pushback against potential human rights overlooks, a coalition of rights organizations has publicly called on the UK government to embed robust human rights protections in its impending trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This call comes amid growing concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers in the GCC countries, an issue that has been documented extensively.

The groups involved, including Human Rights Watch (HRW), have directed their appeal to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to ensure that the UK does not become indirectly involved in human rights abuses through its international trade relations. The coalition warns that without explicit human rights conditions included in the trade agreement, the UK could be seen as complicit in labor exploitation and forced labor prevalent in the GCC states.

Highlighting shortcomings in both the GCC and the UK’s human rights frameworks, the statement also points out the UK's failure to act on legislative changes recommended by its own Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights. Back in 2017, the committee had pushed for the implementation of a legal provision that would prevent human rights abuses in the operations and supply chains of companies, akin to stipulations in the Bribery Act of 2010.

According to HRW, this trade agreement poses a risk of UK businesses becoming entangled in these abuses, noting a lack of transparency in the trade negotiation processes and poor treatment of domestic migrant workers within the UK itself. The rights groups argue that adherence to Article 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which both the UK and most GCC countries have ratified, is essential. This article mandates that all workers should enjoy just and favorable conditions of work.

The UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement forms a part of the UK's strategic economic outreach post-Brexit, aiming to enhance trade relations outside the European Union. The deal focuses on fostering cooperation in sectors like energy, services trade, and investment, which are seen as vital for opening new markets for British businesses.

As negotiations move forward, the spotlight on human rights within trade agreements remains intense, emphasizing the global call for ethical trade practices that uphold the dignity and rights of workers worldwide. Rights groups continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for a trade framework that does not compromise on human rights for economic benefits.