130 WTO members ask US to unblock appointment of WTO Appellate Body members

130 WTO members ask US to unblock appointment of WTO Appellate Body members

At a meeting of the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 26 April, Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 75th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common concern over the current situation in the Appellate Body which is seriously affecting the overall WTO dispute settlement system against the best interest of members, Colombia said for the group.

The United States repeated that it does not support the proposed decision to commence the appointment of Appellate Body members as its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement remain unaddressed.

Twenty-six members then took the floor to comment, with two speaking on behalf of groups of members. Many of these members referred to their previous statements made on this matter at earlier DSB meetings and underlined the urgent need to meet the mandates set out at MC12 and MC13 to conduct discussions with the view to having a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024.

Colombia said that on behalf of the 130 members it regretted that for the 75th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

More: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news24_e/dsb_26apr24_e.htm