WTO blocks food aid ban

A ban on food aid restrictions was blocked at the World Trade Organization.

The proposal would keep countries from restricting deliveries of food during the pandemic. With the proposal blocked, this could complicate a response and “fuel the fire” for what Reuters calls “a potential humanitarian catastrophe.”

The panel also failed to agree on a waiver for intellectual property when it comes to COVID medicines.

The organization still has no leader and the appellate body is virtually nonexistent after the U.S. has opposed judge appointments. It is also blocking the appointment of a new Director General.