Issue No. 578, 1-15 Oct 2014
WTO deadlock persists

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TFA/food security still at impasse, no progress in other areas
The deadlock in the WTO over trade facilitation and public food stocks remains unresolved, amid a lack of headway in other negotiating areas and concerns that some member states may now seek a non-multilateral approach to talks.
by Kanaga Raja

Save the WTO Secretariat
The dual, conflicting roles of the WTO Director-General as head of the Secretariat and chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee could erode confidence in the impartiality of the Secretariat, writes Bhagirath Lal Das.

US announces deal with Brazil to end decade-long cotton dispute
The US and Brazil have agreed to bring to a close a longstanding trade dispute centred on US cotton subsidies.
by Kanaga Raja

US-Brazil deal an unconditional surrender
The terms of the cotton dispute settlement are heavily weighted against Brazil, contends Steve Suppan.

Rights expert calls for review of investment treaties
Pointing to the threat that the activities of transnational corporations (TNCs) can pose to the enjoyment of human rights, a UN rights expert has urged a review of corporate-friendly investment accords and proposed an international treaty to deal with rights abuses by TNCs.
by K.M. Gopakumar

New hepatitis cure far too costly
A new cure for Hepatitis C has given new hope, but its price is far too high, while a scheme to supply to poor countries excludes middle-income nations.
by Martin Khor

Family farming crucial in fight against hunger
Voices within the UN system are calling for greater support for family farming, which makes up the majority of global agriculture and is key to combating hunger and protecting resource sustainability.
by Kanaga Raja