Source: http://business-humanrights.org/en/seminar-domestic-international-law-responses-to-the-transboundary-haze

Last year, a haze of smoke descended on Singapore, Malaysia, and other parts of South East Asia. This has happened nearly every year since 1997. Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, has called the trans-boundary haze crisis a ‘man-made tragedy and a crime’.  It begs the question: to what extent can domestic and international law provide a remedy for any harm suffered as a result of the haze and motivate those responsible to change their behavior?

In this seminar, distinguished local and international lawyers will explain how states have an obligation under international law to take measures to prevent the spread of pollution to neighbouring countries; how neighbouring states, as well as private persons and corporate entities, can pursue a claim in international law against a state for excessive pollution; the relevance of other international law developments, such as human rights due diligence responsibilities of states and companies; and potential recourses available under domestic law.

Specifically:

• Mr Mark Mangan will examine the international law obligations of states to prevent transboundary pollution and the recourse available for aggrieved persons under bilateral investment treaties.
• Professor Robert McCorquodale will consider the obligations imposed upon states and other subjects of international human rights law to prevent haze pollution.
• Assistant Professor Mahdev Mohan will analyse Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, and the remedies it provides.

A round-table discussion on these important topics will follow led by Mr Thio Shen Yi SC and Professor Romesh Weeramantry.

Registration: http://law.smu.edu.sg/newsletter/15032016