Issue No. 647, 16-31 August 2017
CSOs seek change of course in lead-up to WTO meet

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CSOs urge WTO members to abandon expansionist agenda
Ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference this December, civil society groups from around the world have called on member states to drop plans to widen the WTO’s remit in favour of fixing existing trade rules so as to promote food security and development.
by Kanaga Raja

African Group will not negotiate e-commerce rules at WTO
The African Group of countries has opposed moves to reorient ongoing WTO discussions on electronic commerce towards crafting multilateral disciplines in this sector.
by D. Ravi Kanth

ICs and allies push for new mandate on e-commerce
Despite continued opposition from many developing countries, proponents are persisting in their drive to initiate negotiations on e-commerce at the WTO.
by D. Ravi Kanth

India, Africa resist IC moves to finalize domestic regulation outcomes at MC11
Proposed WTO disciplines governing domestic regulation of services have sparked apprehension among India and the African Group, which argue that such rules would constrain countries’ right to regulate.
by D. Ravi Kanth

Making right to development a reality for everyone
The recently appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development has highlighted major challenges in realizing this right, decrying how “millions of people around the world are living with the  consequences of the failure to deliver it”.
by Kanaga Raja

Further efforts needed to curb illicit flows, Switzerland told
More should be done to stem the flow of “dirty money” through the Swiss financial sector despite the progress made on this front, a UN rights expert has suggested.
by Kanaga Raja

Opinion: How low can you go?
Regressive tax systems and resort to tax dodging mean the wealthy are not paying their fair share of taxes, explains Jomo Kwame Sundaram.