THE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF STATES FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF LABOR IN GLOBAL PRODUCTION CHAINS

Abstract

The intensification of global production chains has redefined the organization of labor in the context of the international economy, expanding productive fragmentation and transnational outsourcing. While this model has boosted economic efficiency, it has also contributed to the persistence of serious forms of labor exploitation, especially in sectors characterized by regulatory asymmetries and institutional fragility. This article analyzes the international responsibility of States for labor exploitation in global production chains, from the perspective of International Labor Law and International Human Rights Law. The research assumes that labor violations associated with transnational production chains do not stem exclusively from isolated business conduct, but also from state omissions related to insufficient regulations, the absence of effective oversight, and the fragility of redress mechanisms. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach, of a theoretical-normative nature, based on bibliographic and documentary research, analyzing international instruments, due diligence guidelines, and the recent normative practice of States and international organizations. It is concluded that contemporary International Law offers normative parameters capable of justifying the international responsibility of States for failures in the duty to protect human and labor rights, especially when labor exploitation is structural, predictable, and repeated within global production chains.