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https://theconversation.com/divided-and-paralysed-can-the-wto-negotiate-a-pandemic-recovery-plan-that-is-fair-for-all-172484>
"Hard on the heels of the political deal-making by major powers and corporate
lobbyists at the COP26 climate conference, similar manoeuvres are shaping the
World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), scheduled
to begin on November 30 in Geneva.
The decision to hold an in-person negotiating conference of ministers from 164
countries in the midst of a pandemic, and as Europe undergoes another surge, is
controversial.
Aside from concerns about safety, there are serious questions about the
legitimacy of decisions that will be made under these conditions, including the
expected absence of a number of trade ministers, mainly from developing
countries.
Ministers with no commercial flights operating from their countries may be
unable to travel. Those who can attend face onerous and expensive transit and
quarantine arrangements. The size of delegations has been severely limited to
facilitate social distancing and reduce processing queues.
At present, only certain vaccines, mainly those used in richer countries, will
secure a pass for automatic entry into meeting venues. Ministers and officials
who used non-EU-approved vaccines will be subject to periodic testing.
There is also a clampdown on dissent. Swiss authorities have refused
authorisation – sought by one of their own parliamentarians – for five
protesters to hold placards calling for action on COVID-19 in front of the WTO
building. Non-government organisations, an important resource for many
developing country delegations, have been denied space at the main venue."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
