Law
Human Rights Impact Assessments in International Investment Agreements
Quick fact
Under traditional investment treaties, a foreign investor can sue a state for lost profits even if the state was protecting public health—but newer treaties and arbitration rulings are beginning to use human rights impact assessments to tip the balance in favor of people.
Why this is interesting
You might think that international investment agreements are only about protecting companies—but increasingly, they are becoming arenas where human rights are tested. What if a host country's promise to protect foreign investors clashes with its duty to protect its own people?