Trade: WTO reform talks sidestep key issues, risk stalemate (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
As trade ministers from select countries congregate in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on 9 October, a report issued by the facilitator overseeing discussions on reforming the World Trade Organization has seemingly sidestepped the key issues.

UN: HRC stresses on promoting socio-economic rights in line with SDGs (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
The United Nations Human Rights Council has stressed the importance of respecting, protecting and fulfilling economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities, including within and among States, as envisaged in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Afghanistan: Ban on girls' education linked to rise in forced & child marriage (PRIV)
(IPS, Kabul)
After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, they banned girls' education beyond the sixth grade.