In a significant move, the World Bank has announced its decision to halt the consideration of new loans for Uganda in response to the country’s adoption of a highly controversial law targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. The law, which was passed earlier this year by the Ugandan government, criminalizes same-sex conduct and imposes severe penalties.
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender practices could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The law has sparked international outrage and has now prompted the World Bank to take a firm stance against it.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the World Bank condemned the Ugandan law, deeming it incompatible with the organisation’s core principles. The statement emphasized the World Bank’s commitment to inclusivity, non-discrimination, and its vision of eradicating poverty for all, regardless of factors such as race, gender, or sexuality.
“We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality. This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world,” the statement read.
Following the enactment of the law, the World Bank swiftly dispatched a team to Uganda to assess the impact of the legislation on the bank’s existing projects within the country. The team’s review highlighted the need for additional measures to ensure that projects adhere to the World Bank’s environmental and social standards, with the aim of safeguarding sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion.
As part of this effort, the World Bank is engaging in discussions with Ugandan authorities to establish stricter monitoring and grievance redress mechanisms. The intention is to enhance accountability and swiftly address any potential human rights violations.
The World Bank underscored its enduring commitment to Uganda’s well-being and development, emphasizing that while it has suspended new public financing, it maintains a constructive relationship with the country. The organization remains dedicated to assisting all Ugandans in escaping poverty, accessing essential services, and enhancing their quality of life.
This decision by the World Bank to suspend new loans serves as a powerful signal of global concern about the protection of LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of upholding human rights principles within the framework of international development.
As discussions between the World Bank and Ugandan authorities continue, the world watches closely to see how this situation evolves and whether Uganda will reconsider its stance on the controversial anti-LGBTQ law.
