New World Bank Transparency Policy

According to a recent WorldBank Press Release, the Bank is shifting its policies regarding access toinformation.  The Bank’s current rulesfor document disclosure permitdisclosure only of specific documents.  The new model provides for disclosure of allWorld Bank documents not specifically restricted.  Further, the policy allows fordeclassification and disclosure of documents containing sensitive informationover set periods of time depending on the nature and sensitivity of theinformation.

The new policy implements clear procedures regardingexternal requests for information and even provides an appeals mechanism todeal with controversial denials.  Reviewin the appeals mechanism will be performed in part by an independent body ofinternational experts.

The Bank will issue the final policy statement with commentsfrom the Board in December.  The changesbecome effective on July 1, 2010 and the Board will review a progress report onthe new policies by the end of 2011.

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