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Ethics and human rights in the World Bank

In: The Elgar Companion to the World Bank

Author

Listed:
  • Desmond McNeill

Abstract

The chapter first describes the World Bank’s engagement with ethics and human rights (EHR) since the 1990s. I find that with regard to both issues, the Bank was somewhat active early in this century, when external pressure from critics and the role of President Wolfensohn (1995-2005) played an important part; but activity has since waned. I next assess arguments as to why the World Bank should engage with EHR. Regarding ethics, I draw partly on political philosophy, suggesting the Bank has obligations because it is ‘response-able’. Regarding human rights, I briefly summarize the substantial literature on the question, mainly by legal scholars. Finally, I ask what hinders the Bank from engaging more with EHR. Drawing on the work of several scholars, I identify three main constraints: legal, i.e. the interpretation of the Bank’s Articles of Agreement; the culture of the Bank, dominated by economics; and political - resistance by the Bank’s Executive Directors.

Suggested Citation

  • Desmond McNeill, 2024. "Ethics and human rights in the World Bank," Chapters, in: Antje Vetterlein & Tobias Schmidtke (ed.), The Elgar Companion to the World Bank, chapter 25, pages 298-308, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:21163_25
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781802204780.00038
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