Australia Accused Of Using Development Aid To Push Trade Agreements

A United Nations independent expert yesterday issued a statement on Australia’s aid programmes for countries in need, praising some of the country’s work but warning that it not use such aid to pressure regional governments to enter into free trade agreements with it.

“With regard to the free trade negotiations currently underway in the region, such as PACER-Plus, development assistance should not be used as a means of inducing Pacific Island countries to enter into trade agreements,” said Cephas Lumina, who is an advocate of the High Court for Zambia. “Furthermore, Australia’s aid programmes should be guided by the needs of the recipient communities, rather than focused on Australia’s national interest.”

Lumina is the UN independent expert on the effects of foreign debt on the enjoyment of human rights.

His full statement is here.