The Applicability of Human Rights Law in International Investment Disputes
Abstract Human rights are becoming increasingly relevant in international investment disputes. A question therefore arises as to whether the application of human rights law to those disputes is justified. This article answers that question in the affirmative. In particular, it suggests that there are at least four legal grounds (which may operate separately or cumulatively) warranting the application of human rights norms in the context of international investment disputes: (i) the fact that international human rights law is part of international law, which in turn governs the merits of investment disputes; (ii) the presence of express references to human rights in the investment treaty; (iii) the presence of implied references to human rights in the investment treaty; and (iv) the principle of systemic integration. Each of these grounds can be the basis for applying international human rights law as an interpretative tool. Some of them, however, can play a more substantive role and justify the direct application of international human rights norms to the merits of the dispute. This may lead to normative conflicts. The article thus also provides a framework to determine, in case of clashes between international investment law and international human rights norms, which norm should apply in concreto.