World Bank taps global law firm to review Bridge sex abuse investigation

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, a global law firm, has been tapped by the World Bank to probe accusations that the International Finance Corporation interfered with an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse at a chain of schools it funded in Kenya.

The World Bank’s board of executive directors announced last week that the law firm will lead an independent review to decide whether IFC, the bank’s private sector arm, obstructed the investigation by its own watchdog into reports of abuse at schools run by Bridge International Academies, a for-profit education provider in Africa and India.

“This external investigation is incredibly important for the following reason: it is looking at what the IFC does when faced with its own mistakes. Allegations suggest the IFC hid evidence of its shortcomings and retaliated against people who sought accountability,” Margaux Day, executive director of Accountability Counsel, a group that advocates for people harmed by internationally financed projects, told Devex.

“By failing to say the word ‘retaliation,’ the World Bank’s press release waters down the importance of the external investigation,” she said.

Day also called on the bank to ensure the findings are made public.

“IFC doesn’t shy away from publicizing its successes. Its failures should also be disclosed.”

Read the full article on Devex here.