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Digest

OECD Reports Stall in Aid Flows to Sub-Saharan Africa

Official development assistance from members of the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee, which groups the world’s major donors, reached USD 106.8 billion in 2005, a record high, but failed to fulfill Gleaneagles committments. Excluding aid to Nigeria, aid to sub-Saharan Africa fell by 2.1% in real terms to USD 24.9 billion in 2005.  Of the remaining assistance, USD 22.7 billion went to debt relief, mostly for Iraq and Nigeria. Official humanitarian aid also rose (to USD 8.7 billion) in response to the tsunami. Debt relief and humanitarian aid account for all the increase to the region since 2002. For a press release, see http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,2340,en_2649_201185_37799158_1_1_1_1,00.html

Digest

EU-US Open Skies Agreement Negotiations Collapse

Negotiation between the US and the EU aiming at liberalization of air traffic has been interrupted. The parties intended to move away from existing quotas for U.S. citizens on the corporate boards of air carriers, liberalize fare pricing schemes, and allow airlines from the US and the EU to take off and land at any airport on both sides of the Atlantic. The agreement faced Congressional opposition in the US. For more information see here.

Digest

UN Concern Over Human Rights in Fiji

The recent coup in Fiji has led to UN concern that Fiji will not honor its obligations under international treaties to protect civil, cultural, economic and political rights. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for the reinstatement of Fiji’s freely elected government. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has expressed her concern over Fiji’s ability to guarantee human rights following the coup.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=20869&Cr=fiji&Cr1=

Digest

ECtHR Begins Hearings in Giuliani v. Italy

On December 5, the European Court of Human Rights began hearings in the case of Giuliani v. Italy. In 2003, an Italian judge dismissed the prosecution of two policemen who allegedly caused the shooting death of Carlo Giuliani while protesting during the G-8 Summit in Genoa in 2001. The applicants, who are relatives of the deceased, claim that Italy’s dismissal of the case violated the European Convention of Human Rights. For more information see here.

Digest

Court of the First Instance Examines EU Omissions to Act

On December 7, the Court of First Instance will hear the case Fédération des industries condimentaires de France and Others v. Commission. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for damages allegedly suffered because of the Commission’s failure to act in response to U.S. retaliatory measures authorised by the WTO and applied to some EU products. More information is available here.

Digest

OECD Addresses Immigration Challenges

Every year, almost three million long-term migrants legally enter OECD countries. According to a recent OECD report, well-managed immigration flows offer benefits both for host countries and for migrants and their families. The OECD urges host countries to ensure that immigration systems meet local labor market needs, to provide for anti-discrimination legislation and flexible education policies, and increase cooperation between local institutions and employers.

For a press release, see: http://www.oecd.org/document/4/0,2340,en_2649_201185_37784708_1_1_1_1,00.html

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