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UN warns of impact on Sri Lanka’s export sector from global trade war
16 Jun, 2025
The United Nations (UN) has warned of a devastating impact on Sri Lanka’s export sector from the global trade war.
Speaking at the opening of 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, said that the recent imposition of soaring tariffs may seem like a high-stakes poker game, with the global economy as the bank.
“But the shockwaves of a trade war will hit Least Developed Countries with the force of a tsunami. Caribbean countries and small island developing states are among those that will suffer most. The impact on countries with large export sectors, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, could be devastating,” he said.
Türk said that higher tariffs could put healthcare, education and a nutritious diet out of reach for many.
He also said that higher tariffs could also roll back gains on gender equality, as they have a disproportionate impact on women working in low-paid manufacturing jobs.
“I am deeply disturbed by approaches that treat the poorest people on earth as collateral damage. Long-term global stability requires a fundamental shift to human rights and sustainable, inclusive development – not trade wars or arms races. My Office is working around the world to realise the right to development,” he added.
Türk also said around the world, he is pleased to see governments working to implement their pledges under the Human Rights 75 initiative, with new laws on access to information, reforms to criminal justice systems, and stronger engagement with human rights mechanisms.
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