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Is the IMF a Primary, Direct Perpetrator of Human Rights Violations? Evidence from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Misun Woo

    (Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD))

  • Sarala Emmanuel

    (Feminist Collective for Economic Justice)

  • Tharanga Silva

    (Women and Media Collective)

  • Zainab Shumail

    (Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD))

Abstract

Using the experiences from three countries—Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Korea—this article argues that the IMF’s ‘debt formula’ applied across countries (despite mounting evidence of its adverse impact on human rights, and systemic gender inequality) has had multi-generational consequences—with the harm done repeatedly, with no reparations. This article is an intentional attempt to provoke discussions and encourage readers to rethink and expand the scope of what may constitute international crimes and who is accountable. It also invites feedback from and collaboration with the readers in an effort to strengthen normative arguments to make international criminal law applicable to economic and financial crimes.

Suggested Citation

  • Misun Woo & Sarala Emmanuel & Tharanga Silva & Zainab Shumail, 2024. "Is the IMF a Primary, Direct Perpetrator of Human Rights Violations? Evidence from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Korea," Development, Palgrave Macmillan;Society for International Deveopment, vol. 67(3), pages 326-340, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:develp:v:67:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1057_s41301-025-00428-8
    DOI: 10.1057/s41301-025-00428-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mr. Marcos d Chamon & Erik Klok & Mr. Vimal V Thakoor & Mr. Jeromin Zettelmeyer, 2022. "Debt-for-Climate Swaps: Analysis, Design, and Implementation," IMF Working Papers 2022/162, International Monetary Fund.
    2. Christopher W. Callahan & Justin S. Mankin, 2022. "Correction to: National attribution of historical climate damages," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 173(3), pages 1-1, August.
    3. Christopher W. Callahan & Justin S. Mankin, 2022. "National attribution of historical climate damages," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 172(3), pages 1-19, June.
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