Bretton Woods Observer
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.
Leaving behind the most vulnerable
The World Bank-funded conditional cash transfer programme in the Philippines fails to include people with disabilities, meaning they are missing…
IMF & gender: a long way to go
This briefing analyses the recently published IMF discussion note Women, work and the economy and draws some positive conclusions from…
US Congressional legislation threatens IMF and World Bank plans
US legislature’s spending bill blocks IMF governance reform, insists the World Bank pay reparations to communities that suffer human rights…
World Bank infrastucture support: “finance as extraction”
While India is pushing for the World Bank’s Global Infrastructure Facility, the US voted against IFC support for a Saudi Arabian corporation linked to coal power and an Inspection Panel case was registered for a Nepal power transmission project. Concerns were also raised on infrastructure projects in India, Nepal and Burma.
IMF conditionality and its discontents
A new study shows a significant worldwide pattern of protests targeting the IMF, reflecting the increase in IMF influence through loan programmes with austerity conditions attached and indirect pressure on governments.
Kenya evictions: foreshadowing future World Bank forest work?
Indigenous peoples have been evicted from their forests by a conservation project in Kenya funded by the World Bank. The Bank is currently drafting a new forests action plan.
IMF influence in Europe weakening?
As eurozone crisis countries, such as Ireland, complete their loan agreements with the IMF and European lenders, the IMF looks to amend rather than end its role in Europe. Meanwhile, a European parliamentary committee is examining the lending agreements and questioning their efficacy and lack of transparency.
World Bank strategy: untested innovation or more of the same?
The new World Bank Group strategy moves into the implementation stage with changes to country planning and internal structure, but critics say that little will change.
The IFC’s development outcome tracking system
Since 2005 the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the Bank’s private sector arm) has used the Development Outcome Tracking System (DOTS) to track the development impact of all its investments and advisory work
IDA 17 record size, but down in real terms
The World Bank’s December 2013 claim of a record IDA replenishment was undermined by lumping donor loans in with grants and a decline in real terms, while India secured transitional support.
Bankspeak of the year 2013
The Bretton Woods Project awards the most comical use of words by members of staff at the World Bank and IMF in 2013.
Environment trust fund goals conflict with World Bank
World Bank’s involvement in the Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund trust funds criticised.
World Bank’s procurement policy review continues
In November 2013 the World Bank board approved a proposed new framework on procurement for its clients.
Safeguards review neglects people with disability, children
Civil society organisations has highlighted that the critical needs of people with disabilities and children are not being addressed by the World Bank’s safeguards review.
World Bank criticised for overlooking care work
New study finds a wide gap between the World Bank’s rhetoric and its programmes on the ground in unpaid care work, which particularly affects women.
Nigeria forced evictions case before Inspection Panel
A case of forced evictions in the Nigerian city of Lagos has been submitted to the World Bank’s Inspection Panel.
World Bank health initiative “trampling on the dignity and needs of people”
World Bank report on health prevention criticised for ignoring evidence and theory.
Civil society urges Kim to expand B-SPAN
Civil society organisations and individuals has urged Kim to expand B-SPAN, the World Bank’s internet based broadcasting service.
Gonzalo Castro de la Mata appointed new Inspection Panel member
Gonzalo Castro de la Mata was appointed as a new member of the World Bank’s Inspection Panel in December 2013.
