Geneva: Secret negotiations on international trade deals threaten human rights, and the inclusion of provisions that would allow companies to sue states appears to violate human rights law, an independent United Nations expert said on Thursday.
Alfred de Zayas, U.N. special rapporteur on promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, did not specify any particular talks, but his comments appeared aimed at large trade deals such as the TTIP and TPP agreements the United States is negotiating with the European Union and the Asia-Pacific states.
"I am especially worried about ... the provision which allows investors to challenge domestic legislation and administrative decisions if these can potentially reduce their profits," he said in a statement.
