CSOs have raised concerns about the World Bank’s safeguards review as the next phase of the consultation is set to be launched.
Safeguards
Private Sector
Analysis
New report shows IFC FI investments cause human rights abuses around the world
New evidence from Oxfam, the Bretton Woods Project and other NGOs reveals the impact of IFC investments in financial intermediaries on global human rights.
IFI governance
Background
Safeguard policies review
Notes from a meeting on the World Bank safeguards review during the World Bank spring meetings.
IFI governance
Background
UK civil society meeting with UK World Bank Executive Director Gwen Hines
Notes of a meeting with World Bank executive director Gwen Hines in October 2014.
Finance
Analysis
Eroding accountability? The World Bank’s lending mechanisms under review
The World Bank safeguards review leaves out key Bank lending mechanisms despite potential significant impacts, leading to questions around accountability.
Rights
News
UN experts critique World Bank draft safeguards
UN experts have questioned the World Bank’s draft safeguards’ lack of references to human rights, meanwhile the consultation process continues to raise concerns by NGOs.
Rights
News
CSOs stage walk-out over World Bank’s safeguards
Protesters demonstrated their frustration with the new draft safeguards framework by walking out of a World Bank consultation, as an extension is announced to the second phase of the consultation process.
Rights
Commentary
Dangers of dilution: World Bank’s new weak environmental and social framework
World Bank’s new draft environmental and social framework is criticised as a step backwards that could lower the standards for the international development community.
Rights
News
Draft World Bank safeguards “a step backwards”
Further concerns have been raised on the new draft World Bank safeguards framework, as the second phase of the consultation reaches mid-point.
Rights
News
Consultation launched on new draft World Bank safeguards
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.
Featured briefings
15 July 2025
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2025
15 July 2025
Will the World Bank be a partner for a just energy transition in developing countries?
As renewable energy finance shifts from China to the World Bank, whether the Bank can be a partner for a just energy transition depends on three areas: strong environmental and social oversight, avoiding a new resource curse in minerals and debt relief during crises.
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.