World Bank, IMF
Human Rights Watch investigates human rights abuses in which international financial institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and regional development and investment banks have been implicated. We have exposed discrimination in the distribution of development aid, efforts that have outright harmed community members, and reprisals against critics of “development” initiatives. We advocate for these institutions to recognize their rights obligations and uphold human rights through their policies and practices. We press governments that partner with these institutions and ultimately implement the projects to ensure that human rights are respected. We ask that governments that oversee these institutions ensure that the rights impacts of projects are understood, that projects that will violate rights are not funded, and that institutional policies advance, rather than undermining human rights.
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South Africa
October 17, 2024
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Asia
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Africa
October 12, 2023
Videos
Videos-
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April 28, 2022
Ukraine/Russia: As War Continues, Africa Food Crisis Looms
Provide Aid, Expand Social Protection to Prevent Hunger
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April 14, 2022
IMF/World Bank: Targeted Safety Net Programs Fall Short on Rights Protection
Spring Meetings Opportunity to Reset Approach for Universal Social Protection
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November 11, 2021
Afghanistan Facing Famine
UN, World Bank, US Should Adjust Sanctions, Economic Policies
News
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September 26, 2023
How IMF Policies Undermine Rights
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September 18, 2023
Time to Align Financial Institutions With Human Rights
HRW Oral Statement - ID on the OHCHR Report on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and COVID-19 Recovery - HRC54
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September 15, 2023
An Opportunity to Embrace a Human Rights Economy
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Requires Aligning Financial Institutions with Human Rights
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August 31, 2023
IMF Should Help Pakistan Uphold Right to Electricity
Fund Universal Social Protection to Phase Out Subsidies
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August 14, 2023
Middle East and North Africa: Embrace Social Protection for All
Improve Tax Structure, Fulfil Right to Social Security
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March 29, 2023
Sri Lanka: IMF Loan Risks Eroding Rights
Ensure Fair Taxes, Accountability for Corruption
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February 6, 2023
Pakistan: IMF Bailout Should Advance Economic Rights
Strengthen Social Protection, Mitigate Harm to Most Vulnerable
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August 29, 2022
‘Epic’ Pakistan Floods Show Need for Climate Action
Marginalized Groups Should Inform Government, IMF Response
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August 16, 2022
Sri Lanka: Economic Crisis Puts Rights in Peril
Urgently Address Social Safety Net, Taxation, High-Level Corruption
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April 28, 2022
Ukraine/Russia: As War Continues, Africa Food Crisis Looms
Provide Aid, Expand Social Protection to Prevent Hunger