The international trade committee in the European Parliament will be voting on this trade deal in January. Sadly, we have also seen regression when it comes to human rights and the freedom of expression. Vietnam’s human rights obligations under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement are clear and legally binding. We cannot ratify the trade agreement unless we see concrete improvements,” said Kathleen van Brempt, coordinator of the committee for international trade (INTA). We need crystal clear guarantees on labour rights and human rights before the deal comes before Parliament for ratification,” added Jude Kirton-Darling, shadow rapporteur on the Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.