http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8595 ^ Moving to College of Arts, Law and Social Sciences Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:03:59 GMT 2026-04-05T06:03:59Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32032 Title: An investigation of the corporate accountability for human rights violations under exisitng regulations Authors: Malik, Bushra Abstract: As a result of the abnormal control and enormous influence of transnational corporations (TNCs) within the corporate world, the international community has become aware of the potential damage TNCs may cause to the subjects and the impacts they may have on local cultures and initiatives. For example, many TNCs are involved in transgressive activities by operating in developing states and violating human rights such as right to life, right to clean water, right to health environment, etc. Disappointingly, states are often implementing effective enforcing mechanisms for the corporate human rights accountability because they heavily rely upon these global giants for their economic prosperity, i.e., resources extracted by the TNCs for generating profit. Thus, states tend to lack the political will and economic competence to successfully regulate the unethical and illegal operations performed by TNCs, providing the TNCs with an almost free pass to impede human rights and violate them with the vicinity of their performance. Efforts to address human rights abuses by TNCs go back to the early twentieth century, but it was not until the 1970s that the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) began to gain prominence. Since putting the concept into practice, several major international regulatory initiatives have been adopted to fill the accountability gap. For example, the UN Global Compact, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, International Labour Organisation, Extractive Industries Transparency, and Alien Tort Claims Act 1789. Unfortunately, all these initiatives have proved inadequate in both form and effect in tackling the issue of human rights abuses attributed to TNCs. This is because of their non-voluntary nature, limited scope, and the extent of implementation. These instruments were criticised as merely political commitments lacking the legal binding force for their enforcement and implementation. Thus, this thesis calls for a widely ratified treaty on businesses and human rights and comprehensively analyses recent work by the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) in this regard; specifically, the formation of the Zero Draft 2018, Second Revised Draft 2020, and the Third Revised Draft 2021 of the binding treaty. Primarily, the thesis will focus on analysing the provisions of these drafts, which can become the content of the much awaited legally binding mechanism (treaty), filling the vacuum created by the preceding regulatory mechanisms on businesses and human rights and regulate human rights abuses. This thesis also critically analyses the alternatives to the binding treaty and makes recommendations for the formation of an effective widely ratified treaty on businesses and human rights. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32032 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/31911 Title: Towards a steadily evolving framework for strengthening food safety governance: A holistic, government-led socio-legal approach to preventing food adulteration in Bangladesh Authors: Musa, Nadia Roxana Abstract: This thesis investigates the issue of food adulteration in Bangladesh through the lens of systemic governance, with a focus on its profound socio-economic and public health ramifications. It critically examines how the historical evolution of governance mechanisms, fragmented legal frameworks, overlapping institutional mandates, and ineffective enforcement mechanisms have perpetuated food adulteration. This thesis contends that addressing this problem necessitates a preventive, governance-oriented strategy rather than reactionary enforcement approaches. The strengthening and optimisation of existing regulatory frameworks is key to tackling systemic inefficiencies and reducing consumer vulnerabilities. Additionally, preventive regulation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and gradual improvements are identified as foundational pillars for meaningful progress. Technological advancements and consumer empowerment are pointed out as important drivers of long-term regulatory effectiveness. In emphasising the interconnected roles of the law, government and society, this thesis integrates socio-legal methodology with doctrinal analysis, historical inquiry, and comparative insights. This desk-based research critiques the deficiencies of Bangladesh’s existing food safety governance structures by drawing on international best practices, particularly those recommended by the Codex Alimentarius and United Nations. It synthesises legal analysis with policy-driven insights by drawing from case law, legislation, academic publications, regulatory reports, media sources, and legal commentaries across various jurisdictions to develop a governance blueprint tailored to Bangladesh’s institutional and socio-economic context. This thesis concludes that reorganising internal governance, forming collaborative partnerships with industry, and actively empowering consumers are the three areas where the government must take the lead to effectuate change. However, regulatory systems must be continuously adjusted and improved, as complete eradication of food adulteration remains an unrealistic goal. A preferable approach could be to adopt modest adjustments through open communication rather than attempting to achieve perfection all at once. The safety of Bangladesh's food supply and the overall health of the population depend on this collaborative and preventative model. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/31911 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/31892 Title: Conceptualising personalised pricing under article 102 TFEU Authors: Kocabas, Ahmet Kaan Abstract: The rapid development of algorithms and big data has revolutionized the digital economy, introducing novel challenges for European Union (EU) competition law. Personalised pricing, an advanced technique of price discrimination enabled by extensive data collection and advanced algorithms, allows undertakings to tailor prices according to individual consumers' willingness to pay. While this practice can enhance market efficiency and consumer welfare, it raises significant concerns regarding unfair pricing and market distortions. This research investigates how personalised pricing exacerbates the anti-competitive effects of predatory and excessive pricing, despite not necessitating a new regulation. It demonstrates that personalised pricing transforms predatory pricing into a streamlined, single-stage process and complicates excessive pricing dynamics by enabling precise exploitation of consumer data. This practice not only creates significant barriers to market entry but also disrupts market fairness. Focusing on cases involving undertakings such as Uber, Tinder, and Wish, this study examines how personalised pricing operates as both an exclusionary and exploitative mechanism under Article 102 TFEU. It argues that rather than being treated as a new type of violation under Article 102 TFEU, personalised pricing should be evaluated within the established frameworks of predatory and excessive pricing. The thesis shows that existing legal mechanisms, particularly Article 9 of Regulation 1/2003, are sufficiently equipped to address the adverse effects of personalised pricing while preserving its potential benefits. By integrating economic and legal analyses, this study offers key insights for policymakers and regulatory authorities, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with fair competition to ensure that personalised pricing practices contribute positively to market dynamics and consumer welfare. Ultimately, this thesis advances our understanding of personalised pricing within the scope of EU competition law, offering practical recommendations to address its complexities and promote a fairer digital marketplace. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/31892 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/31788 Title: International human rights law and legal principles of procedural protection of students’ rights in university administrative disputes: A study in the GCC region Authors: Almesleh, Fatma Abstract: This thesis examines the overlap between international human rights law and the legal concepts that govern the procedural protection of students' rights in university administrative disputes, in the GCC region with particular focus on the State of Qatar. Within modern academia, universities function within a dual structure consisting of external legal duties and internal restrictions. Adhering to both legislative regulations and institutional bylaws is crucial for guaranteeing academic integrity, protecting student rights, and maintaining financial accountability. The changing nature of university governance has seen a shift towards judicial oversight and the formalisation of the student-university relationship, highlighting the importance of fair procedures and the protection of human rights. The study problem examines the sufficiency of legal channels for contesting university decisions and the degree to which human rights are upheld in university hearings. This raises concerns about the accessibility of judicial review and the extent to which due process rules are followed in administrative actions that impact students. This thesis analyses the legal framework in Qatar to evaluate how international human rights standards, principles of Islamic law, and constitutional requirements are used to protect students' rights in university settings. This study seeks to find opportunities for enhancement in procedural fairness and justice at Qatar University by thoroughly investigating its laws, regulations, and policies. The research intends to provide recommendations for improving transparency and accountability in university decision-making processes by comparing them to international norms. The study aims to contribute to the establishment of a just and impartial academic environment that promotes the comprehensive growth of students at Qatar University and within the GCC countries. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/31788 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z