In the 2001-2002 review, several countries were denied AGOA benefits. Some of these refusals cited poor labor rights practices as one of the reasons, including:
Angola did not receive AGOA benefits because of concerns related to corruption, labor, and human rights. The report notes that Angola has made little progress in strengthening labor and child labor laws, and that the law allows the government to replace striking workers or force them to return to work.
Burundi did not receive AGOA benefits because of concerns related to economic reform, rule of law, and labor and human rights. While the law prohibits forced labor and child labor, there are numerous reports of abuses of these prohibitions. U.S. officials were also concerned because Burundi has not ratified ILO Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo did not receive AGOA benefits because of concerns related to economic reform, rule of law, and labor and human rights. Government forces frequently detain labor activists. The Ministry of Labor reportedly does not make an adequate effort to enforce child labor laws.
Equatorial Guinea did not receive AGOA benefits because of concerns related to economic reform, rule of law, political pluralism, and labor and human rights. Child labor is a persistent problem. Labor laws do not give workers the right to strike, collective bargaining, or protection from anti-union discrimination.