World Bank support for a Nepal power line has been criticised for violating indigenous peoples’ rights and the use of armed forces, yet an Inspection Panel investigation has been delayed.
Conflict
Rights
Commentary
CSO response to the CAO investigation into IFC investment in Corporación Dinant, Honduras
An international statement, signed by 70 organisations, in response to the publication in mid January of a CAO audit and the IFC response and action plan related to IFC investment in Corporación Dinant, Honduras.
Finance
Analysis
The IFIs in 2013: year in review
The Bretton Woods Project review of the most important developments at the World Bank and IMF in 2013.
Accountability
Analysis
A fragile solution: World Bank’s new approach to fragile and conflict affected states
World Bank launches a new approach to fragile states, accompanied by resources, including IFC investment but it remains unclear what role it will play in implementing the reforms.
Finance
Analysis
First ever real-terms drop in IDA agreed
As the negotiations on the 17th replenishment of the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) pass the half way mark, a real-terms drop in IDA and stingier terms for borrowers have been agreed. The discussion has focussed largely on the private sector and fragile states.
Accountability
News
MIGA approves new facility for fragile states
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency announced in mid April the creation of a new Conflict-Affected and Fragile Economies Facility (CAFEF).
Finance
Commentary
Hastily introduced World Bank projects threaten to undermine peace process in Burma
In late 2012 the World Bank announced its first lending to Burma in over 20 years. The concern among many grassroots activists, however, is that the areas to which this money will be funnelled are still in the earliest stages of the peace process, and that huge influxes of money will undermine efforts for sustainable peace.
IFI governance
News
CAO to facilitate dispute resolution over Chad-Cameroon pipeline
In November, the Compliance Advisor/ Ombudsman (CAO), the accountability mechanism for the Bank's private sector arm, published its assessment of a 2011 complaint from a Chadian group of NGOs on behalf of local inhabitants and communities affected by a pipeline in Chad.
IFI governance
News
IFC failed to act on "forced evictions"?
In August, the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO), the accountability mechanism of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the World Bank's private sector arm), launched an audit into its $30 million investment in palm oil and food company Corporaci
Finance
News
World Bank urged to review Rwandan support
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has asked the World Bank to review its support for Rwanda in the light of strong evidence of its "disregard of fundamental human rights", including killings of civilians, sexual violence, forced recruitment of children and torture.
Featured briefings
12 October 2020
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2020
6 October 2020
The Bretton Woods Observer: Autumn 2020
6 October 2020
Repairing harm caused: What could a reparations approach mean for the IMF and World Bank?
It is time for the IMF and World Bank to understand their own responsibility and decolonise their approach.