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Rights

Anti IMF loan protest in downtown, Cairo, 2012. Credit: Gigi Ibrahim / Flickr

Private Sector

Analysis

Financialisation and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa

This briefing explains how the IMF and World Bank have driven the financialisation of MENA states, and the pervasive negative effects this has had on the region’s societies and economies.

27 September 2023 | Briefings

Accountability

News

UDHR and IPN anniversaries underscore urgent need for Human Rights policy at all IFIs

World Bank and IMF shareholders must use the anniversaries of the Inspection Panel and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respectively to demand both establish human rights policies and meet their international obligation to provide remedy

19 July 2023

Rights

Background

The World Bank's approach to human rights

This Inside the Institutions explores how the World Bank approaches human rights in the context of the international human rights obligations of international financial and development institutions.

19 July 2023 | Inside the institutions

Rights

Commentary

Civil society calls on World Bank and IMF to safeguard civic space and prevent retaliation around Marrakesh Annual Meetings

To prevent repression and retaliation at their Annual Meetings in Marrakesh, World Bank and IMF must work proactively with MENA civil society and Moroccan authorities on safeguarding civic space and upholding free speech.

5 April 2023 | Guest comment

Rights

News

World Bank’s definition of ‘universal’ social protection - another buzzword?

World Bank’s newly released Social Protection and Jobs Compass guidance note creates confusion over the Bank’s definition of ‘universal’ social protection.

8 December 2022

Rights

News

A new SDR allocation: Combatting deepening fragility concerns

The links between high debt burdens, lack of climate finance, austerity and the rise in political instability and fragility, conflict and violence remain largely neglected as IMF shareholders consider calls for a new SDR allocation, as proposed by the Bridgetown Agenda.

8 December 2022

Accountability

News

World Bank’s accountability mechanisms - still a long way to go

57 CSOs highlight need for operational changes in the World Bank’s new accountability scheme to ensure its effectiveness.

4 October 2022

Accountability

Commentary

The IMF is changing and needs an independent ombudsman

The Fund's expansion of its work into the macro-stability challenges posed by pandemics, climate change, gender discrimination and inequality increases the risks that it may negatively impact communities and individuals.

21 July 2022 | Guest comment

Other news

Private Sector

News

19 July 2023

B-Ready for more ill-founded private-sector solutions

The World Bank released a concept note of Doing Business report replacement, B-Ready project, ignoring civil society demands of an independent evaluation.

Finance

News

5 April 2023

IMF continues to disregard UN Human Rights Commission concerns about its surcharge policy

IMF managing director continues to refuse to answer letter from UN Human Rights Council concerning the negative impact of IMF surcharges as world celebrates 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Finance

News

8 December 2022

UN letter of allegation outlines concerns about the impact of IMF surcharge policy on human rights

Civil society urges IMF to reply to UN letter and finally take action to review its surcharge policy.

Rights

News

4 October 2022

'Uber Files' and 'Back off BlackRock' campaign expose 'pink washing' as the heart of corporate women's economic empowerment agenda

Uber Leaks and cancelled BlackRock and UN Women partnership highlight contradiction of corporate ‘pink washing’ interests with IFI gender commitments.

Rights

News

4 October 2022

Will IMF Strategy for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States escape traditional focus on austerity?

The IMF’s new Fragile and Conflict-Affected States strategy has incorporated many civil society concerns, but civil society and international actors like the UN must also have input into its implementation.

Social services

News

21 July 2022

World Bank’s IFC ends funding for fee-paying primary and secondary schools

Independent Evaluation Group report highlighted private sector education provision can exacerbate inequality and undermine the public sector school system.

Land

News

21 July 2022

IFC approves loan to industrial agriculture producer in Brazil despite pleas for protection of sensitive grassland biome

World Bank’s IFC $200 loan for large-scale agricultural production in Brazil disregards serious human rights and environmental concerns, despite calls by 200 civil society organisations globally

Rights

News

6 April 2022

Report implicates IFC investments in human rights abuses of Uyghur and other minorities in China

New CSO research alleges that IFC investments have contributed to forced displacement and labour, detention, and other human rights violations of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, China.