The World Bank’s Board of Directors today approved a new set of environmental and social safeguard policies. In response, the head of Oxfam International’s Washington office, Nadia Daar, said:
"We’re frustrated and disappointed that the World Bank couldn't agree on stronger policies to fully guarantee the rights of communities affected by the projects they fund.
"While we’re pleased to see some important improvements compared to the policies currently in place, there are still a number of gaps that need to be addressed.
"It’s critical that the Bank work with civil society on 'guidance notes' to close these gaps and lay out how the safeguards will be actually implemented. Ultimately, the real test of these policies will be how they work in practice."
Notes to editors
The approval of these policies is the culmination of a years-long process and will impact not just the Bank's lending, but the policies of other development banks around the world that look to the World Bank to set the standard.
Oxfam recently highlighted four critical parts in the final draft of the safeguards that weakened the protections.
Contact information
Simon Hernandez-Arthur in Washingtonsimon.hernandezarthur@oxfaminternational.org+1 585 503 4568@SimonHernandezFor more updates on Oxfam's Washington office, please follow @OxfamIFIs
The approval of these policies is the culmination of a years-long process and will impact not just the Bank's lending, but the policies of other development banks around the world that look to the World Bank to set the standard.
Oxfam recently highlighted four critical parts in the final draft of the safeguards that weakened the protections.
For more updates on Oxfam's Washington office, please follow @OxfamIFIs
