Korinna Horta

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2002

Abstract

This statement by the World Bank in the context of its support for the largest private sector investment project in sub-Saharan Africa illustrates the problem in a nutshell. Can the world’s most powerful development agency achieve its goal of reducing poverty where political rights are repressed, where freedom of expression and discussion are absent and opposition forces are persecuted? This Article reflects a perspective drawn from the experience of Northern environmental organizations, such as Environmental Defense, which work closely with community groups, church groups, and development and human rights organizations as well as trade unions in many devel¬ oping countries. In our experience, protecting the environment, promoting social justice and upholding human rights are inextricably linked. Or, to put it differently, the separation of development goals from politics is unrealistic. The focus here is on the World Bank because of its unmatched institutional resources and pioneering role in establishing policy frameworks designed to protect the poor and the environment. Other multilateral and bilateral financial institutions often follow the World Bank’s lead as a model for their own policies and practice.

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