A coalition of rights organizations has called upon the United Kingdom to embed human rights protections within its upcoming trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This urging follows reports highlighting ongoing abuses faced by migrant workers in GCC countries. The call was made in a joint statement directed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasizing the need for human rights conditions to be coupled with trade [frameworks](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/09/rights-groups-urge-uk-to-incorporate-human-rights-protections-before-trade-agreement/).
The rights groups contend that by proceeding without these protections, the UK risks tacit involvement in labor exploitation and forced labor through its business dealings. Criticism also extends to both the UK and GCC nations for their inadequate human rights policies. Notably, the UK’s failure to enact legislation proposed by the Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights has been highlighted. Back in 2017, this committee recommended implementing a legal obligation for companies to prevent human rights abuses within their operations and supply chains. This proposal included a “failure to prevent human rights abuses” clause, drawing inspiration from the Bribery Act of 2010, which aims to hold companies accountable for global human rights misconduct.
Human Rights Watch, which endorsed the statement, also underscores concerns about the opacity surrounding the trade negotiations and criticizes the UK’s own treatment of domestic migrant workers. According to Article 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), both the UK and GCC countries are committed to ensuring just and favorable work conditions, encompassing fair wages and working hours.
The proposed UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement represents a significant element of the UK’s strategy to diversify its economic alliances post-Brexit, focusing on energy cooperation, services, and investment as avenues to foster new market opportunities for British enterprises. However, rights groups are cautioning against sidelining human rights in the pursuit of economic expansion, arguing that such oversight could lead to complicity in systemic abuses.
This move by rights groups is part of a broader global trend of advocating for trade agreements that do not merely focus on commerce but also prioritize ethical considerations. As countries navigate complex international partnerships, the integration of human rights stipulations remains a pivotal topic in discussions about sustainable and equitable economic growth.