The Public Health Law and Policies Team (LAW), in collaboration with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) organized a Virtual Technical Workshop on investment treaties and health from 28-29 October 2020.
The aim of the two-day workshop was to build capacity on international investment law as it relates to public health. The Workshop witnessed participation from across the globe and most greatly from the African region (AFRO). The participants were welcomed by Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director of the Health Promotion Department (WHO) and Ms Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, Executive Director of IISD.
Over the two-days, the participants were introduced to the purpose and structure of investment agreements, standards of protection that can interfere with public health measures (expropriation and fair and equitable treatment), and defences in international investment law. WHO’s participation was led by Dr Benn McGrady, Dr William Onzivu (AFRO) and Ms Kritika Khanijo. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) enlightened the participants about the work undertaken by his team in advocating for a new-generation of investment treaties.
The LAW team supports Member States, and particularly health agencies, with respect to public health and the right to regulate under trade and investment agreements. Get in touch with us on LAWHPR@who.int.