Safeguarding Health in International Investment Agreements Seminar

Abstract

International Investment Agreements (IIAs) form parts of broader economic policy efforts by governments to attract foreign investment. However, industry actors have used them to dispute health policy measures in critical areas, including tobacco control and access to medicines. Governments find themselves caught between the interests of investors (companies), and the health of their citizens. Recognising these risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that health safeguards be built into IIAs. However, their adoption has been limited and inconsistent, reflecting limited engagement by the health sector and a lack of knowledge regarding best practice safeguards. This presentation focuses on experiences and insights regarding the interface between IIAs and health from the WHO Region of the Americas, and provide an overview of the multidisciplinary research being conducted by the IIAs and Health Collaboration to better understand how health can be safeguarded in international investment agreements.