Trump’s Tariffs on Chile: Outcry Over Intimidation Tactics Against Labor Rights Advocates

El Ciudadano

Original article: Aranceles de Trump contra Chile: Repudian amedrentamiento a organizaciones que denunciaron situación de derechos laborales en sector exportador

The Human Rights and Business Platform has issued a strong «condemnation» of what they describe as a «campaign of harassment and intimidation» targeting Ecoceanos and the Fundación Libera against Human Trafficking and Slavery in All Forms, as well as human rights defenders, following reports concerning labor rights conditions in export sectors.

It is important to note that the U.S. government imposed an additional tariff of 12.5% on Chile, a measure enacted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under Section 301 of its Trade Act.

In simple terms, the United States has determined that Chile lacks effective prohibitions against the import of goods produced with forced labor.

This situation has led various political actors, primarily from the right and pro-government factions, to attempt to hold civil society organizations accountable for trade policy decisions made by a foreign state, as stated by the Human Rights and Business Platform.

«Regardless of differing interpretations surrounding these decisions, it is unacceptable for this context to be used to stigmatize, discredit, or incite attacks against organizations exercising legitimate mechanisms for reporting and participation recognized by national and international law,» they remarked in a public statement.

«Civil society organizations play a crucial role in any democracy. Documenting, investigating, and alerting about possible human rights violations and utilizing available national and international mechanisms is a legitimate activity, protected by the freedoms of expression, association, and the right to defend human rights,» they emphasized.

In this regard, they recalled that these principles are part of the commitments Chile has made internationally and are essential for strengthening the rule of law and accountability.

«The stigmatization of those who report human rights violations not only jeopardizes the safety of the organizations and individuals involved but also undermines civic space, discourages reporting of abuses, and erodes the conditions necessary for businesses and states to prevent and remedy negative impacts on human rights,» warns the statement.

For all these reasons, the Platform has called for «all authorities, political actors, union representatives, and business leaders to contribute to a public debate based on facts, avoiding statements or actions that could incite hostility against civil society organizations and human rights defenders. In this regard, we demand the immediate cessation of all campaigns designed to discredit, harass, and intimidate these organizations.»

«Moreover, we urge the State of Chile to fulfill its obligation to guarantee a safe and conducive environment for the work of civil society organizations, adopting all necessary measures to prevent intimidation, investigate the threats that have occurred, and effectively protect those who advocate for human rights, in accordance with their international obligations,» they added.

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