International Investment Law and Human Rights: Urbaser v Argentina

UNIGE-IISD Lunch Series on Investment Disputes

Investor-state dispute settlement cases have significant public policy implications, including in the areas of health, environmental protection, economic development and taxation. This lunch series aims to examine the relationship between international investment law cases and sustainable development goals and policies. We invite international and national policy-makers, academics and students with different backgrounds to explore and discuss selected cases.

International Investment Law and Human Rights: Urbaser v Argentina

Investor-State arbitral tribunals rarely examine human rights based arguments raised against investors. The recent ICSID award in Urbaser v Argentina is the first to provide an in-depth discussion on a State respondent’s counterclaim against the Spanish investor’s for an alleged violation of human rights obligations. This award is unique in spelling out the linkages between human rights and investment law and arbitration. What does this award mean for human rights—related obligations of investors? What might be its impact on future investment tribunals when dealing with counterclaims? Do counterclaims provide a useful avenue for integrating different bodies of international law? Join Emilie Gonin and discussants to debate and discuss Urbaser v Argentina.

SPEAKER: Emilie Gonin is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London. She is a specialist in international commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration and human rights law. Emilie has represented corporations, states and sovereign entities in both investment treaty and commercial arbitration.

WHEN: Thursday, 4 May 2017 @ 12.30-13.45
(with sandwiches served starting at 12.00)

WHERE: University of Geneva, Uni Mail, 40 bd du Pont-d’Arve,
Geneva, Room M5050

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Further UNIGE-IISD lunch series in 2017:

• Thursday, 22 June 
• Thursday, 21 September 
• Thursday, 19 October
• Thursday, 30 November

To register or for more information please contact: Fariba DiBenedetto-Achtari [email protected]