CSOs urge investors to divest from private school provider Bridge International Academies; IFC remains investor, despite WDR’s concerns with private education.
India
Private Sector
Analysis
How the Bank’s push for microcredit failed the poor
Originally created to help the poor escape poverty and deprivation, the World Bank became the most important advocate for the commercialised microcredit model. Yet, critics argued it undermined the chances of sustainable and equitable development to create a poverty trap of historic proportions.
Knowledge
Analysis
After 15 years, World Bank’s Doing Business Report still missing the mark
CSOs argue DBR’s deregulation policies do not lower income inequality or promote inclusive economic growth, instead incentivising tax competition and undermining inclusive development.
Rights
Analysis
The IMF, Gender Equality and Labour
BWP briefing explores IMF's labour market policies in the context of women in the informal economy and suggests they will not contribute to decreasing inequalities.
Environment
News
Landmark climate-change complaint against IFC lodged in Philippines
The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) makes history by filing first ever climate-related complaint against the IFC with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO).
Rights
News
Controversial Sardar Sarovar Project dam set to displace thousands
Dam - supported by World Bank from 1985-1993 - formally opened by Indian Prime Minister despite resettlement being incomplete.
Rights
News
Indian plaintiffs seek US Supreme Court review of IFC's “absolute immunity”
Indian fishing communities and farmers will ask the highest court in the US to rule on IFC's immunity for its role in the controversial Tata Mundra coal-fired power plant in India.
Social services
News
World Bank’s cascade into education: Liberia’s public-private partnership
Report by global union found privatisation and corporate capture are obstacles to progress on 2030 agenda. Independent research of education PPP trial in Liberia finds unsustainable costs.
Finance
News
Deepening World Bank and AIIB cooperation: Locking in a failed development model?
Co-financing arrangements and increased World Bank-AIIB cooperation on mega-infrastructure projects represent a dangerous global trend that threatens human rights and locks in a failed development model.
Rights
Background
World Bank Inspection Panel - emerging lessons on environmental assessment
Notes from a meeting at the IMF/World Bank 2017 spring meetings launching the third report in the Inspection Panel's new series on "emerging lessons", on environmental assessment.
Accountability
Analysis
IFC 3.0: superficial upgrades, same problems?
As the IFC sets out a new strategy, CAO and CSO reports have raised further criticism over its investment in financial intermediaries, and a new law suit challenges its immunity.
Social services
Analysis
World Bank undermines right to universal healthcare
The IFC’s push for the PPP model, as well as its preference for healthcare ‘provision’ and the results-based payment approach, collectively undermine the human right to universal healthcare and the achievement of the SDGs.
