Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT)s are foundational instruments in a global investment regime that governs how states can regulate foreign-owned assets. There are over 3,000 BITs between states worldwide that govern key governmental powers. They set limits to state action in a number of areas of vital public concern, including the protection of human and labour rights, the environment, and sustainable development. However, the societies in which they operate seldom have any input into the terms or operation of these agreements, raising crucial questions of their democratic legitimacy as mechanisms of governance.

Can BITs advance Corporate Social Responsibility norms? Are international commercial investment agreements appropriate vehicles for promoting human rights, sustainable development, labour rights, and environmental protection? Confirm your participation! As the number of available places is limited, your earliest confirmation of participation would be appreciated.

Contact
For registration: Dr Freya Baetens, LL.M. Assistant Professor of Public International Law Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies University of Leiden - Faculty of Law volkenrecht@law.leidenuniv.nl
For press/media inquiries: Marie-Therese Gold LL.M., M.A. HiiL Research & Programming Officer marie-therese.gold@hiil.org
 
Time and location: 17:00 - 18:45 hrs | Leiden University, Lorentz Room | Leiden, The Netherlands