Development : Leading academics voice concerns over investment treaties    (PRIV)
(Sanya Smith, Geneva)
A group of leading academic experts on investment law has raised serious concerns over the harm done to public welfare by the international investment regime as currently structured, "especially its hampering of the ability of governments to act for their people in response to the concerns of human development and environmental sustainability".

Environment : Urgent need for funds to fight climate calamities    (PRIV)
(Martin Khor, Geneva)
The flood calamity in Pakistan has again highlighted the urgent need to set up a proper global system to help developing countries affected by climate change and natural disasters.

United Nations : Further victims identified in DRC mass rapes case    (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The number of women raped by rebel groups during last month's raid of more than a dozen villages centred around Walikale, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has risen to over 240, UN officials told reporters here Wednesday.

Colombia : US military aid contingent on reversal of rights record    (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
As a new administration takes over in Bogota, some groups are hoping for change in the human rights record of Colombia - and that the US will use its clout in the country to ensure that change occurs.

Africa : Funding begins flowing for agriculture    (PRIV)
(IPS, Windhoek)
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) has received a major boost, as several countries have begun drawing on funds from a $22 billion pledge made by the G8.

Mexico : Massacre galvanises migrant rights activists    (PRIV)
(IPS, Mexico City)
Activists in Latin America have been galvanised by atrocities like the recent massacre of 72 migrants near the US border to step up their efforts on behalf of migrant rights.