IMF managing director continues to refuse to answer letter from UN Human Rights Council concerning the negative impact of IMF surcharges as world celebrates 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Covid-19
Rights
News
A new SDR allocation: Combatting deepening fragility concerns
The links between high debt burdens, lack of climate finance, austerity and the rise in political instability and fragility, conflict and violence remain largely neglected as IMF shareholders consider calls for a new SDR allocation, as proposed by the Bridgetown Agenda.
Finance
Commentary
Quota reform needed at IMF in order to address 21st century challenges
As economic conditions worsen and the Fund's legitimacy comes under increasing pressure, IMF leaders gathering for the Annual Meetings must make progress on ongoing review of IMF quotas and agree a more equitable formula and distribution of voting power.
Finance
News
Highly indebted countries face further cuts to public spending to service debts, as IMF austerity bites
Debt Justice's new report highlights urgent need for international debt workout mechanisms, as countries are forced to prioritise debt payments.
Social services
News
World Bank’s commitment to private sector-led development casts doubt on effectiveness of new Pandemic Preparedness Fund
The World Bank’s proposal to establish a fund for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response raises questions about the Bank’s support for private sector healthcare at the expense of public provision.
IFI governance
Analysis
G24 communiqué analysis – Spring Meetings 2022
G24 finance ministers called for urgent global action to mitigate the effects of rising debt levels in emerging economies, and rising global food, energy and commodity prices.
Private Sector
Analysis
How IMF and World Bank support for financialisation undermines human rights
IMF and World Bank policies and programmes work in tandem to expand and deepen financialisation, exacerbating the inequality crisis and harming human rights, financial stability and democratic governance
Finance
News
IMF capital control review: A missed opportunity to support a just recovery and stability
IMF review of institutional view on capital controls disappoints as it largely maintains the policy framework of its predecessor
Finance
News
Argentine civil society denounces new IMF agreement as illegitimate
Civil society rejects new Agreement arguing IMF loan will be used to pay odious debt and result in reforms damaging to human rights.
Finance
News
Ineffective G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative ends as world faces worst debt crisis in decades
As countries resume debt payment obligations amid unequal pandemic recovery CSOs call for debt cancellation and a multilateral debt workout mechanism.
Featured briefings
1 October 2024
Year one of World Bank Paris Agreement alignment in the energy sector: ‘green conditionality’ dwarfs green investments
New BWP research finds the Word Bank's approach to Paris alignment is being used to a significant extent to impose ‘green conditionalities' on borrowing countries, especially in the Global South.
3 July 2024
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2024
3 July 2024
Is the World Bank rolling back commitments to citizen engagement, again?
Understanding the Bank’s chequered history with public, community and civil society participation is key for understanding what is at stake and what to do next.