Laura CORRADO

Policy topics Laura CORRADO is active on

What Laura CORRADO has said (4)

• “Uh, very briefly on Pakistan as well. Uh, we monitor, of course, uh, the, the labor rights situation also as regards Pakistan, as Corrine mentioned, um, indeed, there is some progress there. We share the assessment that there has been some progress, and there is possibly a positive momentum because of the ratification of of some of the ILO conventions, new labor legislation in several provinces of Pakistan that has extended labor rights to export processing zone. Uh, there was a child labor surveys, which will provide better evidence for future policy making and contribute to eradicating child labor. But of course, not all issues are solved. There are certain aspects that continue to remain worrying. And we have of course, since they are part of Gsp+ schemes, we have been urging them to also increase the efforts to address, uh, to effectively implement international labour standards. Um, in particular, when it comes to the eradication of child labour and forced labour. So we have been very strong on that also when it comes to freedom of association and, uh, to to allow trade unions to register and operate more effectively. And I also would like to mention that we will have, together with the colleagues in DG, trade, a Gsp+ mission normally later this year to really verify the situation on the ground and to continue monitoring the actual implementation of the relevant ILO conventions and respect for labour rights. Now, York, maybe you want to add a few things on Vietnam, possibly or Reynders.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
• “Um, so now Vietnam. Um, it was not discussed at the International Labour Conference under the Supervisory Mechanism. But of course, um, it remains a country of attention for us in particular as regards also respect of, of labour rights and which and their protection is really a priority for the EU in the context of the bilateral Relations, including on the. When it comes in the context of the FTA, we are aware indeed, as it was recalled, that Vietnam still has to implement one of the outstanding commitments that they took, uh, prior to the ratification of the convention. So, uh, sorry, prior to the entry into force of the FTA. So the ratification of ILO convention 87. They have not done yet. Uh, this ratification, we keep, of course, making pressures on the government, uh, in all settings. We had a human rights dialogue in July where we strongly raised this point. There will be a trade committee on Friday. I think York can also add something afterwards. Uh, on the trade union law, uh, we actually we also we have the translation into English we're available to share with the Parliament, should you wish. So our preliminary assessment is that it does not seem to address all the issues that are related to the ILO convention 87 and to freedom of association. So we are still finalizing the assessment as we are finalizing the assessment of the of the complaints. And as I said, maybe you can add something about the state of play on the on the complaints.”
  Trade relations with Vietnam · Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
• “So we have fully supported the the ILO resolution triggering article 33 and the International Labour Conference, which indeed, uh, is very firm in condemning the activities of the junta. And, as Corrine said, while at the same time having balanced measures that would safeguard the life and the livelihood of the population. Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation. Sanctions will be maintained. Trying to to strike the really the fine balance between, of course, sanctioning the government and putting pressure on the junta in particular, but at the same time maintaining, uh, the livelihood of the populations of the workers there, and of course, also trying to support independent trade unions as as it was mentioned by some of the members. So fully aligned with ILO, both the EU and all the member states on on Myanmar, um similar situation also on on Belarus, of course, as you know, we are also as well concerned on the violation of human rights, including of labor rights, particularly freedom of association and right to collective bargaining. We have again also imposed as EU several round of sanctions on Belarus. Latest one in March 2025. And indeed, we continue to monitor the situation and to support and follow up on the article 33 resolution that was adopted already back in 2023 against Belarus. And we will continue to put pressure on the government of Belarus so that they comply with the recommendations of the Commission of inquiry, in particular in relation to violation of freedom of association and collective bargaining.”
  EU-Myanmar relations · EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains · EU-Belarus relations
• “Thank you very much. Good morning everybody. I have also my colleagues from DG trade. So maybe he can add some comments afterwards on some of the countries. So first of all I would like to thank Corinne Varga from ILO and also in general, the whole organization for the excellent cooperation that they have with the Commission and with the EU in general, both in the standard settings, in the monitoring and supervision, but also because the ILO implements many projects on decent work in in several third countries around the world that we finance. So we really work in synergy and full synergies and cooperation. And I really have to praise their work and their commitment to help us and many other countries in promoting decent work worldwide. Um, coming now to the specific countries and the specific issues, uh, that we have been discussing, we are discussing today. Well, first of all, of course, Myanmar is uh, we are very concerned as commission as EU about the situation. Uh, as you know, since the coup, we suspended immediately direct EU assistance to the government of Myanmar as EU we have, while continuing to provide vital support to the population, of course. And through supporting international partners, but also civil society organisations and trade unions, including through a project that is called Made in Myanmar. We have adopted nine packages since 2021 of individual sanctions targeting, uh, over 100 individuals and 22 entities, including key military and armed force officials, including a number of of sanctions like travel bans, asset freeze, prohibition on making funds or economic resources available for listed individuals and entities, arms embargo, export ban on equipment, and many other measures to really sanction the junta and the government, while at the same time protecting the population.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · EU-Myanmar relations · EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains