safeguards

"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," said the head of Oxfam International's Washington office, Nadia Daar.

The final draft of the World Bank’s social and environmental protection policies fails to guarantee the rights and well-being of people affected by the Bank’s development projects, said Oxfam. 

At the close of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s Spring Meetings in Washington, Chris Stalker, Acting Head of Oxfam International’s Washington office, commented on the week's developments.

“In the Inspection Panel's findings, the Bank is still repeatedly failing to take the most basic steps needed to avoid harm. Steps like counting how many people are affected, or making information available in local languages are still neglected," said Kate Geary, Oxfam's land rights expert.