Business, Trade and Human Rights Unit
The Unit is concerned with the human rights implications of trade, investment and the regulation of biotechnology, involving the activities of multinational corporations and other business enterprises. In particular it addresses the following subject areas:
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the intersection of economic, social and cultural rights with the multilateral trading system and regional trade organisations;
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the use of social and environmental protection clauses in the regulation of international investment;
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issues of responsible investment, lending and contracting in international business transactions;
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the relationship between the international regulation of biotechnology, food security and human rights;
and linked to the foregoing:
Events
On 10 March 2010, Dr Mary Dowell-Jones from the Institute of Human Rights and Business, delivered a guest lecture on Exploring Avenues for Integration of Socio-Economic Rights into the Regulatory Architecture of the Financial System. The lecture examined the devastating effect that the credit crisis has had upon the enjoyment of socio-economic rights worldwide. Moreover, it highlighted its long-term impacts related to the fiscal effects of government bail-outs in advanced economies, and the knock-on effects of unemployment and reduced incomes on food consumption, education and health in many developing countries. Dr Dowell-Jones gave insight into how human rights principles could be more deeply integrated into the governance and functioning of the financial system.
Please follow this link to download Dr Mary Dowell-Jones's presentation [Powerpoint]
People
Unit Head : Mary Footer
Please follow this link to see Professor Footer's staff profile
Publications
Publications include:
Footer, Mary E., 'Biotechnology and the international regulation of food and fuel security in developing countries' in C. Ta, J. Faundez (eds.) International Law, Economic Globalization and Developing Countries (Edward Elgar Publishers, forthcoming)
Footer, Mary E., 'BITs and Pieces: Social and Environmental Protection in the Regulation of Foreign Investment', (2009) 18(1) Michigan State Journal of International Law
Harrison, J., The Human Rights Impact of the World Trade Organisation (Hart Publishing, 2007)