World Bank Accused of Colluding with Authoritarian Regime in Singapore

Strategic Insights -

The World Bank has been accused of colluding with the authoritarian regime in Singapore after scores of poverty campaigners were detained, interrogated, or deported by police as they tried to attend the financial institution's annual meetings. Critics, including leaders of Action Aid and other campaign groups, have condemned the bank's decision to continue the meetings despite what they called a "blatant violation" of their rights. At least 28 members of campaign bodies have been barred from entering Singapore, with some being deported or detained for several hours. The World Bank's President, Paul Wolfowitz, has acknowledged the concerns and expressed regret, but activists are demanding a full apology and reforms.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 28 members of campaign bodies have been barred from entering Singapore, with some being deported or detained for several hours.
  • The Singapore authorities have deported Maria Clare Soares, the Brazilian representative of ActionAid Americas, who had been accredited by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
  • Activists, including Roberto Bissio of Social Watch, have accused Paul Wolfowitz, the President of the World Bank, of giving in to the Singapore government and failing to take decisive action to address the situation.
  • At least five people have been deported and others have had their accreditation withdrawn.
  • The World Bank has acknowledged the concerns and expressed regret, but activists are demanding a full apology and reforms.
  • Several activists, including Sandra Krawitz of ActionAid USA, have accused the World Bank of "paying lip service" to freedom of speech and not taking sufficient action to protect the rights of campaigners.
  • The Global Campaign for Action Against Poverty has walked out of a meeting in protest, citing the "blatant violation" of their rights.

Statistics:

  • 28 members of campaign bodies have been barred from entering Singapore.
  • 5 people have been deported.
  • Several activists have been detained and interrogated for several hours.
  • Between 30 and 40 activists walked out of a meeting in protest.

Sources:

  • The World Bank is accused of colluding with an "authoritarian" regime, [Philip Thornton, The World Bank is accused of colluding with an "authoritarian" regime, Singapore The Straits Times].
  • ActionAid International named Maria Clare Soares, the Brazilian representative of ActionAid Americas, as one of those who had been deported, [Action Aid].
  • Iara Pietrocovsky, an academic and a representative of the Brazilian Networking of Integration of Peoples, was detained and interrogated for several hours, [Philip Thornton, The World Bank is accused of colluding with an "authoritarian" regime, Singapore The Straits Times].
  • Sandra Krawitz, a media officer at ActionAid USA, accused Paul Wolfowitz of "paying lip service" to freedom of speech, [Philip Thornton, The World Bank is accused of colluding with an "authoritarian" regime, Singapore The Straits Times].
  • Roberto Bissio, of Social Watch, accused Paul Wolfowitz of giving in to the Singapore government, [Philip Thornton, The World Bank is accused of colluding with an "authoritarian" regime, Singapore The Straits Times].