The collapse of a flagship water privatisation in Tanzania, and opposition to both a planned privatisation of the state cotton board and the completed privatisation of the state railway in Mali, highlight the continuing struggle over pressure from the Bretton Woods institutions to privatise in Africa.
Social services
Social services
Analysis
Secretive World Bank tribunal confronts calls to open up
Civil society groups are backing official calls for reform of the World Bank's International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes - however, the future of the reforms looks uncertain due to resistance from developing countries.
Land
News
Aid, death and dogma
A report released in May by UK NGO Christian Aid, documents case studies in India, Ghana and Jamaica where imposed liberalisation has ravaged local industry with devastating social impacts.
Accountability
Background
UK NGO meeting with executive director Tom Scholar: uncorrected highlights 4 April 2005
Minutes of Spring meeting with Tom Scholar and UK NGOs in London
Infrastructure
Background
IFC consultation with civil society on the safeguard review
Highlights of the IFC consultation with civil society on its revision of the WBG environmental and social safeguards
Social services
Background
IMF in low-income countries
Chaired by Mark Plant, head of PDR The spring meetings were quiet on this issue…
Rights
Commentary
People’s assembly demands justice from World Bank
Villagers of Badin district in southeastern Pakistan are demanding compensation from the World Bank for a drainage infrastructure project that has wrought environmental devastation and led to the loss of lives.
Social services
News
World Bank tsunami response
World Bank's response to the tsunami in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives
Rights
News
Cautious dialogue as conflict over water continues
The deep freeze on communications between the World Bank’s water unit and civil society groups thawed a little at a recent dialogue. A revolt against private sector participation in Bolivia shows just how far there is to go.
Environment
Background
IMF and World Bank emergency response
The role of the IMF and World Bank in responding to emergencies and coordinating with relief efforts.
