Campaigner briefing: Global days of action against ISDS

The notorious Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system, which allows multinational corporations to sue governments for public policy decisions they claim affect their investments, has long been promoted by the UK government. Now it has come back to bite us, with the UK facing two definite cases - from investors in the quashed Cumbria coal mine, and from Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman. Now Chinese firm Jingye is threatening a £1 billion claim over the nationalisation of the Scunthorpe steelworks. For those of us who know that ISDS is a threat to climate justice, democracy and human rights, now is the time to up the ante.

For some years now there has been a very slow retreat from ISDS, with a few countries opting out, and some movement victories such as that against the Energy Charter Treaty in Europe. Some global south governments are refusing to sign up to new deals with ISDS in them, but the picture is uneven.

From Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October, trade and environmental justice groups globally are organising three co-ordinated days of action to create momentum towards a complete phaseout of Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanisms in trade and investment deals. In the UK we're bringing together a coalition to take part in these days of action, and encouraging activities right around the country. 

Check out the website: https://stopisds.global/

This online briefing will give some more of the background, explain how to get involved, and generate ideas for actions and events. 

Event supported by Friends of the Earth, War on Want and the Trade Justice Movement.