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.
Rights
IFI governance
Analysis
World Bank presidential selection: Where is the evolution
Accountability
Analysis
EarthRights International examines how the Jam v. IFC case has helped to shift the landscape of accountability for international financial institutions by successfully challenging their claim to “absolute” immunity in US courts, potentially opening IFC up to further legal challenges in future.
Accountability
Analysis
Ending “absolute immunity” for the International Finance Corporation
Finance
Analysis
As geopolitical tensions rise amidst worsening global economic conditions, civil society demands the democratisation of a world economic order away from the established Global North and elite capitalist hegemony.
Finance
Analysis
A new Bretton Woods for whom?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other news
Private Sector
News
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
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
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
'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
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
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
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
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.