The IFC is set to expand operations in fragile and conflict-affected states such as Burma, despite indications that systemic problems identified in Honduras persist.
Conflict
Infrastructure
Commentary
Disempowered development
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.
Rights
Background
Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) and dispute resolution process
Meg Taylor, CAO We have recently reviewed our operational guidelines and wanted to introduce more…
Conditionality
News
IMF embroiled in Ukraine crisis
Ukraine’s interim government concluded negotiations in late March for an IMF loan, likely to carry wide-ranging conditionality.
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.
Rights
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
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.
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.
Rights
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.
Featured briefings
21 July 2022
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.
21 July 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2022
14 April 2022