Ex-judge accuses WTO of secrecy

A former World Trade Organisation (WTO) judge has called for reforms at the WTO to lift the cloak of secrecy that covers much of the international trade body's decision-making.

The ex-judge, James Bacchus, said in a speech prepared for delivery to a US business group:

There is no reason for WTO proceedings to remain secret, and there is every reason for them to be open to the light of public scrutiny.

Friends of the Earth has long believed in the need for greater openness at the WTO. The WTO is an incredibly powerful organisation and yet how governments represent their citizens in meetings is unknown.

Government decisions at the WTO - which often have a negative global impact on people and the planet, and which are made in the name of the electorate - should not happen behind closed doors.

Eve Mitchell,
Trade campaigner, Friends of the Earth

Currently Friends of the Earth International are trying to get public opinion heard at the WTO about the Genetically Modified (GM) trade dispute through submitting a 'friend of the court' brief.

Bacchus has said he thinks it's important non-governmental organisations continue to be allowed to submit such briefs and have more of a say at the WTO.

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