World Bank and IMF shareholders must use the anniversaries of the Inspection Panel and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respectively to demand both establish human rights policies and meet their international obligation to provide remedy
Compliance mechanisms
Land
News
Honduras threatens ICSID withdrawal over $11 billion ‘neo-colonial’ special economic zone claim
Compensation claim before WorldBank’s ICSID raises questions about the value of special economic zones and fairness of ISDS mechanisms for Global South states.
Accountability
News
World Bank’s accountability mechanisms - still a long way to go
57 CSOs highlight need for operational changes in the World Bank’s new accountability scheme to ensure its effectiveness.
Accountability
Analysis
Ending “absolute immunity” for the International Finance Corporation: The legacy of Jam v. IFC
EarthRights International examines how the Jam v. IFC case has helped to shift the landscape of accountability for international financial institutions by successfully challenging their claim to “absolute” immunity in US courts, potentially opening IFC up to further legal challenges in future.
Accountability
Commentary
The IMF is changing and needs an independent ombudsman
The Fund's expansion of its work into the macro-stability challenges posed by pandemics, climate change, gender discrimination and inequality increases the risks that it may negatively impact communities and individuals.
Accountability
Analysis
Why the IFC can’t afford to squander this opportunity to get remedy right
The IFC is the only DFI that has committed to creating a remedy framework. The basic requirements of a rights-based remedy framework are already known.
Accountability
Commentary
Alto Maipo: Harms endure due to MDBs' lack of proper due diligence
World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank's reactive independent accountability mechanisms cannot address harms caused by lack of proper due diligence in Alto Maipo.
Accountability
News
World Bank’s new Accountability Mechanism: One step forward…?
Mixed reactions on new World Bank Accountability Mechanism as civil society welcomes incorporation of dispute resolution function but is concerned about possible erosion of Inspection Panel independence.
Accountability
News
Civil society calls for IFC and MIGA to build upon CAO reform
Civil society urges IFC and MIGA to act to maximise the benefits of CAO reforms
Accountability
News
Delays in Inspection Panel eligibility decision in Nepal risk “irreversible damage”
Panel yet to rule on case filed in April despite receiving consultant's report.
Featured briefings
9 June 2025
New data reveal World Bank DPF ‘climate finance’ carries strong private sector bias, undermining a just transition
New BWP briefing finds the World Bank counted 70 per cent of energy-sector reforms in Development Policy Financing as having 'climate co-benefits' between 2018-2023 - but most of these promoted a private-led energy transition.
15 April 2025
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2025
2 April 2025