The World Bank has released a first draft of its new safeguards framework for consultation, despite concerns from civil society organisations and indigenous peoples groups.
Indigenous peoples
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Rights
News
World Bank blamed over 1965 Indonesia massacres
Images from an Oscar-nominated documentary exploring the history of Indonesia’s Suharto government and the killing of an estimated 1 million Indonesians during the 1960s has been screened on the walls of the World Bank to pressure it to acknowledge its support for Suharto.
Rights
News
Further delays for World Bank safeguards review
The World Bank’s safeguards review is facing more delays in the face of internal wrangling, while civil society has ramped up demands for stronger rules.
IFI governance
Background
What does real accountability mean in practice?
Presentations Dr Juan Almendares, Madre Tierra We must compare reason and reality; reason might be…
Infrastructure
Background
Energy sector trends
Sponsors: Bretton Woods Project, Mott Foundation, Heinrich Boell Foundation-North America, Latindadd, Pacific Environment, International Rivers,…
Land
News
Complaint filed against IFC funded Lafarge mining operation
Khasi indigenous people in Indian state of Meghalaya have filed a complaint with the CAO over illegal land infringement by French multinational Lafarge's Bangladeshi cement plant.
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.
Infrastructure
Analysis
World Bank’s thirst for hydropower
The World Bank and IFC continue push for controversial hydropower, with projects in Guatemala, Democratic Republic of Congo, East Africa, Niger, Pakistan and Macedonia. The Bank warned on long term viability of hydropower, as Uruguay’s state hydro company agreed insurance with the Bank.
Environment
News
World Bank’s mining treasure map
The World Bank is promoting a “billion dollar map” of minerals in Africa, and continues to invest in fossil fuel extraction. Controversy is tainting Bank-funded mines in Colombia and Haiti as locals resist the extractive projects.
Rights
Analysis
IFC fails to act on human rights abuses in Honduras
IFC accountability mechanism formally links World Bank client to human rights abuses on palm oil project in Honduras, and highlights systemic problems with IFC procedures.
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The sovereign debt crises threatening states in the Global South are less about fiscal mismanagement and more about monetary power in the global currency hierarchy.