Bretton Woods Observer
One man, one vote, one option: World Bank set to coronate Kim for second term
The World Bank is set to reappoint president Jim Yong Kim for another five year term, despite persistent concerns from Bank staff and renewed calls for a merit-based process based on principles of transparency and diversity.
World Bank turns its back on pastoralist communities in Africa
The World Bank has granted a waiver of its indigenous peoples policy for a project in Tanzania, raising concerns about…
World Bank project fails to safeguard the rights of workers in Cameroon
Workers in World Bank-financed Lom Pangar Hydro Power Project in Cameroon have filed a complaint with the Bank’s Grievance Redress…
World Bank and IMF: Where do they stand on progressive and responsible taxation?
The IMF and the World Bank are increasingly engaged with the challenge of addressing how tax avoidance and evasion affect…
The World Bank’s failed accountability experiment: Why the Inspection Panel’s ‘Pilot’ should dead end
The Inspection Panel’s Pilot is criticised for undermining the Panel’s authority, allowing World Bank management to circumvent compliance investigations, and perpetuating existing power imbalances between the Bank, its clients and communities.
IFC’s (ir-)responsible tax investment policy
Civil society organisations have demanded that the IFC develop a responsible tax policy that ensures that IFC investments are consistent with its development mandate and do not support companies utilising aggressive or abusive tax practices.
IMF “rebuked” over role in Troika and its lending to Greece, Ireland and Portugal
IMF’s Independent Evaluation Office has found the Fund’s 2010/2011 Troika lending to Greece, Ireland and Portugal fell short in terms of surveillance, design, implementation and decision making, and described controversial decisions as appearing “rubber-stamped”.
World Bank approves new “diluted” safeguards
World Bank approved new safeguards after a four year process. Civil society warned of loopholes in new Bank safeguards, its reliance upon “borrower systems”, the lack of references to LGBTQ people and to recognised core ILO labour standards.
IMF increasing its influence in sub-Saharan Africa
As the world economy continues to stutter, many sub-Saharan African countries are turning to the Fund for financial support, though the Funds are coming with strict conditions to restrict spending.
Follow BWP’s annual meetings coverage from DC online
The World Bank and IMF’s annual meetings will be held 7-9 October 2016 in Washington DC.
Indigenous peoples lodge complaint over Bangladesh World Bank project
Indigenous peoples in Bangladesh have submitted a complaint to the Inspection Panel regarding a World Bank funded transport feasibility study.
Complaint lodged for forced labour in IFC-funded project in Uzbekistan
Forced labour victim and human rights defenders have filed a complaint with CAO, alleging that IFC knowingly finances a company benefiting from forced labour.
World Bank withholds new lending for Uganda
The World Bank has announced that it is withholding new lending for Uganda, following the cancellation of a criticised road project.
World Bank accused of reporting false consent on Nepal power line project
Communities affected by a World Bank-funded power line project in Nepal have accused the Bank of reporting false information on consent to the project.
IMF’s Lagarde to face trial in France
IMF’s managing director lost a July appeal to avoid trial in France over negligence while French finance minister.
Uganda to close IFC partner’s schools
Uganda has announced that it will close IFC-backed Bridge Academy private schools due to poor hygiene and sanitation.
World Bank suspends Inga dam funding
The World Bank has suspended funding for the much criticised Inga 3 hydro power project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
