Sunday, September 23, 2007
Blind spot
The continued failure of the World Bank and IMF to fully assess the impact of their advice on poor people
Introduction
It seems impossible that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) would give advice to developing countries without fully considering how it might affect the lives of poor people. Yet, despite it being a long-stated policy of both institutions to do so, and some recent progress on the part of the IMF, they are still failing to consistently ensure that there is a proper assessment of the likely consequences of different policy actions on the poorest people.
Both institutions should urgently ensure that before they recommend a course of action, the impacts of a range of options on poor people have been thoroughly explored in a country-led process. The findings should also have been discussed by parliamentarians, NGOs, and other citizens’ groups.
See full Press Release.