UDTR Global Rights of Nature Radar

DIGITAL JUSTICE AND THE UNCITRAL ODR FRAMEWORK: NORMATIVE FOUNDATIONS, INSTITUTIONAL LIMITS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Identification

Public canonical key

radar:r-1e8dede5e8e748bee6ee12aa45143ae3

Authors

Collins Ekpenisi · Christy Essien Ekpe Ph.D Christy Essien Ekpe Ph.D · Adekunle Saheed Abiola

Reported year

2026

Reported language

en

Source type

article

First detected

2026-11-13T12:39:49.193634+00:00

Last metadata observation

2026-11-13T12:39:49.193634+00:00

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Documentary abstract — original language

Cross-border digital trades are now being conducted at unprecedented dimensions. But they are also simultaneously generating new dimensions of complex cross-border disputes. Consequently, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), an essential component of digital justice, is being increasingly employed as a way of resolving cross-border disputes electronically. While the UNCITRAL has made significant contributions through establishing the normative foundations for e-commerce and ODR, there still exist many issues about how well suited is the governance model of UNCITRAL to deal with the increasing decentralisation of the digital economy. This paper assesses critically UNCITRAL's contribution to international ODR governance by assessing its normative foundations, institutional limitations, and potential role as a catalyst for digital justice. The study employed a qualitative doctrinal method, and a fair comparative approach, in assessing UNCITRAL's primary legal documents relating to ODR and the institutional experiences associated with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the EU Framework of ODR, and several private ODR service providers. Research indicated that while UNCITRAL was successful in developing internationally accepted legal principles for both e-commerce and ODR, it continues to be hampered institutionally through lack of authority over ODR institutions, reliance on voluntary compliance with soft law, and inability to address technology-related issues. Ultimately, this research found that an integrated governance model that combines UNCITRAL's normative influence with enhanced institutional coordination and cooperation among regional public authorities, alongside relevant private sector entities, provides a better mechanism for resolving cross border digital disputes.

Identifiers

OPENALEX

https://openalex.org/W7221123799

DOI

10.53704/f1gwwn52

Documentary context

Documentary family

article

Source-reported types

article

Entity mentions are not evidence of legal recognition. Jurisdiction studied is separate from author affiliation country.

Sources

OpenAlex · Record 1

• Document · https://fountainjournals.com/index.php/index/article/view/1517

Documentary status

Relevance pending

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