A collection of 99 non-governmental organisations around the world have called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure that governments it provides funds to respect the rights of civil society groups, citing the case of arrests in Sri Lanka.
“As organizations that closely monitor corruption and its impacts, we also know that transparency and accountability are key to making sure the money the IMF is disbursing actually goes to protecting lives and livelihoods,” said the letter.
“To protect and strengthen civil society monitoring of emergency funding,” the letter goes on to call for transparency, recognition of the role of monitoring groups, strengthening their capacities and protecting their ability to operate.
“Numerous countries have laws that limit freedom of association and expression in ways that undermine the ability of civil society groups to safely operate or effectively monitor IMF funds,” it added. “For example, Sri Lanka has ordered police to arrest those who criticize government officials involved in the coronavirus response.”
See the full text of the letter here.