Trade : DG's call bolsters attempts to accelerate talks on environmental goods (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The WTO Director-General Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's call to "reactivate and broaden the negotiations on environmental goods and services" has bolstered attempts by the European Union and other developed countries to accelerate "trade and environmental sustainability structured discussions (TESSD)", said people familiar with the development.

UN : COVID-19 crisis exacerbating inequalities, undermining human rights (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
The unprecedented and multiple crises brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have had a negative impact on all sectors of society worldwide, exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining the enjoyment of people's human rights, according to a United Nations report.

Myanmar : Suu Kyi appears in court without lawyer as protests continue (PRIV)
(IPS, Bangkok)
Myanmar's top generals have begun the process to prevent Aung San Suu Kyi - the country's popular civilian leader - from ever holding political power. Both she and president Win Myint were arraigned in a closed-door court session via video link Tuesday, Feb. 16.