BOOKS Enforcing the rules in a global economy: The emergence of structural conditionality in the…
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World Bank Group
Rights
Analysis
World Bank’s vision of work leaves it isolated from the international community
World Bank's vision of the changing nature of work clashes with the feminist community, civil society, trade unions and international organisations.
Environment
Analysis
World Bank's investment in Seven Energy in Nigeria once again calls Bank's due diligence into question
World Bank's due diligence processes highly suspect as it invests a quarter of a billion dollars in Nigerian Seven Energy, where several individuals associated with the company’s flagship contract are now either on the run or charged with money laundering.
Rights
Commentary
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings marred by clampdown on People’s Global Conference
Clampdown on civil society leaves stain on this year’s Annual Meetings, as global civic space is increasingly under threat
Gender
Analysis
Bretton Woods Institutions’ instrumental gender approach ignores structural elephant in the room
IMF and World Bank continue to undermine gender equality through bulk of macroeconomic policy advice.
Accountability
News
Civil society apprehensive as World Bank launches new Environmental and Social Framework
Despite years of preparation, civil society organisations remain unconvinced that reform of Bank’s safeguards has been for the better
Knowledge
News
Doing Business 2019: World Bank’s tunnel vision obscures calls for reform
The Doing Business Report 2019 criticised by civil society over its promotion of deregulation and low business tax.
Social services
News
IMF and World Bank’s support for privatisation condemned by UN expert
A new UN report shines light on how IMF and World Bank support for privatisation contributes to the elimination of human rights
Other news
Rights
News
Civil society calls for more protection of human rights defenders in development as IFC publishes position
Defenders in Development Campaign welcomes IFC’s position on retaliation against human rights defenders in development but call for more specific actions
Private Sector
News
IFC launches consultation on draft Operating Principles for Impact Management
As IFC launches consultation on draft Principles, its declining development outcome performance as 'first impact investor' provides useful point of departure.
Accountability
News
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on challenge to IFC’s absolute immunity
Plaintiffs make case for ending IFC's 'absolute immunity'
Rights
News
World Bank dispute arbitration mechanism publishes proposed rule changes
The World Bank-funded International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes has published its proposed changes to its rules for resolving disputes between states and foreign investors, with ongoing consultation.
Rights
News
Workers unite after IFC fails to comply with its labour standard
Malaysian workers certify union of choice despite efforts of IFC-backed company.
Accountability
News
Annual Meetings in Bali: BWP’s Dispatch, and alternative events
BWP publishes Dispatch as civil society organise alternative events during IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bali
Land
News
Potential Inspection Panel probe of Amaravati 'land grab' allegations deferred again
Panel received request to investigate allegations related to proposed World Bank loan in 2017.
Infrastructure
News
World Bank reconsiders support for coal in Kosovo
Bank commissions energy options study, which will explore alternate electricity sources.
Featured briefings
6 December 2018
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2018
3 October 2018
The Bretton Woods Observer: World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2018
28 September 2018
The World Bank's role in crafting a neoliberal hegemony with a feminist face
The World Bank’s recent gender equality approach constitutes an attempt at establishing a consensus over the regulation of the economy.