Laura Ani

INTRODUCTION

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) norms are a strategic business policy that now forms the cornerstone of how international trade is governed globally. Although initially a voluntary initiative, its relevance in promoting social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities among global investors has arguably been conceived as trade distorting and violating the tenets of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Nonetheless, CSR is now mainstream in all related global transactions. This article seeks to evaluate the impacts of global CSR on international trade and examine the extent of Nigeria’s participation in global CSR. The article argues that Nigeria should go beyond considerations of trade that focuses mainly on liberal market access and expand the practice to include environmental, social, and ethical practices. It concludes that adherence to international CSR will propel developing countries to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, World Trade Organization, Sustainable Development.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.4

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LLB, LLM, M.Phil., Grad ICSAN. Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja. Email: ashleyani29@gmail.com

Linimose Nzeriuno Anyiwe * and Eghosa Osa Ekhator**

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to review and analyse the WTO procedures and rules designed to resolve developing countries disputes. The Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) of the World Trade Organization is generally considered as providing innovative set of rules through which countries could address and resolve trade disputes amongst themselves. The DSU also establishes an Advisory Centre, which seeks to assist developing countries to resolve trade disputes. Despite these innovations, opinions are divided on the practical effectiveness of the DSU and the Advisory Centre, particularly with respect to resolving disputes involving developing countries. In this paper, we shall examine the practical effectiveness of DSU and the roles of the Advisory Centre in the dispute resolution processes involving developing countries. Drawing examples from previous disputes, some practical challenges and constraints with the current procedures faced by developing countries are identified and discussed; they are: lack of expertise, inability to enforce WTO rulings, reluctance to institute trade disputes and economic pressure applied by developed countries on developing countries in trade disputes amongst others. Addressing these challenges are critical to the overall success of the DSU. This paper calls for a review of the DSU to incorporate the reforms enunciated by various stakeholders to the WTO.

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* Linimose Nzeriuno Anyiwe LL.B (Benin), LL.M (University of Central Lancashire)

** Eghosa Osa Ekhator LL.B (Benin), LL.M (Hull), PhD Candidate at the Law School, University of Hull, eghosaekhator@gmail.com. Corresponding author