Bretton Woods Institutions found to share responsibility for social unrest leading to serious human rights violations.
Rights
Rights
News
Landmark report finds attacks on human rights defenders in name of 'development' on the rise
World Bank and IFC identified as key funders of projects that endanger human rights defenders.
Rights
News
World Bank China project raises 'crimes against humanity' concerns
Bank responds to allegations with investigation into whether its China lending could be going to internment camps.
Rights
News
IFC announces changes to environmental and social framework after loss of immunity in the US
IFC announces changes to environment and social safeguards after historic United States Supreme Court ruling.
Rights
News
Will IMF stick its head in the sand on human rights Guiding Principles?
UN releases Guiding Principles on human rights impact assessments of economic reforms, begging the question of how the IMF will respond.
Rights
Analysis
World Bank’s vision of work leaves it isolated from the international community
World Bank's vision of the changing nature of work clashes with the feminist community, civil society, trade unions and international organisations.
Rights
Commentary
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings marred by clampdown on People’s Global Conference
Clampdown on civil society leaves stain on this year’s Annual Meetings, as global civic space is increasingly under threat
Rights
News
Civil society calls for more protection of human rights defenders in development as IFC publishes position
Defenders in Development Campaign welcomes IFC’s position on retaliation against human rights defenders in development but call for more specific actions
Rights
News
World Bank dispute arbitration mechanism publishes proposed rule changes
The World Bank-funded International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes has published its proposed changes to its rules for resolving disputes between states and foreign investors, with ongoing consultation.
Rights
News
Workers unite after IFC fails to comply with its labour standard
Malaysian workers certify union of choice despite efforts of IFC-backed company.
Featured briefings
30 March 2021
World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings 2021
23 March 2021
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2021
14 December 2020
Gambling with our lives: Global emergencies expose consequences of decades of IMF and World Bank policies
Market-led policy approaches increasingly used to deal with both climate and health emergencies are failing to protect those most vulnerable.