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GTI Update #15
In this Update: Comment on draft IFI transparency principles; FOI testing in Argentina; IIC approves new disclosure policy; Consultation ends second EIB comment period; IFC commenting period closes; reports, articles, and more...
The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) is an informal network of civil society organizations that are working together to overcome the secrecy surrounding the operations of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs). What follows is an update on the network's activities including recent reports and articles providing varied perspectives on IFI transparency and related issues, and a calendar of upcoming events. Please circulate to interested colleagues. If you would like make an announcement in this update, please contact Jennifer Kalafut (jkalafut@bicusa.org).
GTI ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMENT ON DRAFT IFI TRANSPARENCY PRINCIPLES!
The GTI is continuing to develop a Transparency Charter for IFIs. The Charter lists nine disclosure principles that must be met by the IFIs. Please review the draft and send comments before the end of the year! The Charter is available in English, French, Spanish, or Russian versions.
- Click here to download the Charter (GTI website)
- Comments may be sent to Toby Mendel, ARTICLE 19, via email at a19law@hfx.eastlink.ca
FOI TESTING IN ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires-based Association for Civil Rights (Asociación por los Derechos Civiles, ADC) is testing Argentina’s freedom of information decree to access IFI-related documents. ADC submitted a series of requests related to the World Bank, IMF and IDB to various Argentine ministries. The information requested includes country-level and project documents. The initiative aims to assess current FOI access, promote public participation and stimulate public debate on IFI involvement in the country.
- For more information, contact Ariel Romano Angel.
IFI TRANSPARENCY DEBATES
IIC APPROVES NEW DISCLOSURE POLICY
On October 11, 2005, the Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Investment Corporation approved its new Disclosure of Information Policy. The Policy is effective as of December 1, 2005, with the exception of new disclosure requirements for IIC financial information and Board documents, which will take effect March 1, 2006. The policy will be subject to review by the Board within 4 years of its complete implementation.
- For a copy of the new policy or more information, visit Bank Information Center’s Update page about the IIC Disclosure of Information policy
CONSULTATION ENDS SECOND EIB COMMENT PERIOD
On November 18, 2005, NGO representatives met with EIB staff in Brussels to discuss a reedited Draft-II of its Disclosure of Information Policy, officially ending the second commenting period of the disclosure policy review process. The discussion focused primarily on clarifying new points inserted by EIB into the second draft, as well as expressing general disappointment from civil society with the inadequacies of the new draft. EIB does not plan to submit another draft for public comment and will send a revised draft that includes comments from the second consultation period to the Board for approval in the first quarter of 2006.
- For more information about the Disclosure Policy review, visit EIB’s website
- Or see the website of the CEE Bankwatch Network
IFC COMMENTING PERIOD CLOSES
On November 25, the IFC officially closed its public commenting period on the draft disclosure policy and social and environmental performance standards. The IFC is scheduled to send a revised final draft to its Board for approval in late-January 2006.
- More information about the policy review, including all comments the IFC has received, is available on the IFC website
- Information on civil society activities around the review can be found at: www.grrr-now.org.
RECENT REPORTS AND ARTICLES
NEW ARTICLES FROM freedominfo.org
- November 30, 2005- EU Parliamentary Committee Rejects EIB Effort to Dodge Aarhus Rules
- November 16, 2005- IFC, EIB, IIC Make Few Concessions on Disclosure About Private Sector Projects
- October 6, 2005- IMF Modifies Disclosure Policy to Address Deletions, Delays
- September 14, 2005- Documents Spur Public Debate about World Bank Involvement in Awarding Contract for Delhi Water Deal
- September 12, 2005- Best Practices on Transparency among IFIs
All articles are available from the freedominfo.org website
WORLD BANK OFFICIAL FAVORS DEBATE
The Hindu, November 27, 2005, New Delhi, India
"World Bank Country Director Michael F. Carter said he was in favour of full release of documentation pertaining to the proposed Delhi Water Supply and Sewerage Project but would concur with any disclosure by the Delhi Jal Board and the Union and the Delhi Government on the issue as they were the stakeholders."
Online at:
- World Bank Offical Favors Debate (The Hindu website)
RIGHT TO INFORMATION EXPOSES WORLD BANK WATER DEAL
Inter Press Service, November 6, 2005. Delhi, India.
"India’s new right-to-information laws have drawn first blood -- secret deals involving the World Bank to privatize water supply and sanitation in the Indian capital."
Online at:
- Right to Information Exposes World Bank (Inter Press Service website)
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER
18: EIB closes second round of consultations on its Disclosure and Information Policy
25: IFC closes comment period on new draft Disclosure Policy
DECEMBER
Nov 28- Dec 9: COP-11 Montreal
details
Published 9th December 2005 by Bank Information Centertopic
IFI Policy, Transparency, GTI
