Holding the World Bank Accountable for Leakage of Funds from Africa's Health Sector
Health and Human Rights, Vol. 12, p. 95, 2010
UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 10-37
15 Pages Posted: 31 Aug 2010
Date Written: July 1, 2010
Abstract
This article explores the accountability of international financial institutions (IFIs), such as the World Bank, for human rights violations related to the massive leakage of funds from sub-Saharan Africa's health sector.
Beginning by summarizing the quantitative results of Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys performed in six African countries, all showing disturbingly high levels of leakage in the health sector, this article then addresses the inadequacy of good governance and anti-corruption programs in remedying this problem; explains how the World Bank's Inspection Panel may serve as an accountability mechanism for addressing the leakage of funds; discusses violations of specific Bank policies and procedures that would support a claim related to leakage and examining the relevance of human rights concerns to such as claim; and explores some of the Panel's limitations and the positive steps taken to address these concerns.
Keywords: human rights, healthcare, World Bank, relief funds oversight, governance, corruption
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