How can the World Bank advance its commitments to LGBTQI+ inclusion?

BIC as part of the World Bank Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) CSO Coalition calls upon the World Bank to implement its commitments to LGBTQI+ inclusion in its projects and programs.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased existing inequalities and vulnerabilities, further marginalizing LGBTQI+ people while development initiatives continue to leave them behind. Although the World Bank has made initial efforts and public statements regarding the inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in its work, the Bank should do more to institutionalize a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) perspective into its operations. BIC and over 10 civil society organizations (CSOs) that are part of the World Bank SOGI CSO Coalition are calling upon the Bank to move towards a more inclusive agenda. We urge the Bank to prioritize SOGI inclusion and adequately supervise its projects so that they do not harm LGBTQI+ people and LGBTQI+ people can fully access project benefits. 

To operationalize its commitments to LGBTQI+ inclusion, the Bank should implement these six key interventions: 

  1. Connect and consult with LGBTQI+ groups and human rights defenders.
  2. Collect and disaggregate SOGI data. 
  3. Increase LGBTQI+ inclusion knowledge at the Bank and training for Bank staff and project implementation units. 
  4. Specifically reference SOGI in project documents and sector and country strategies. 
  5. Invest in LGBTQI+ communities and mainstream LGBTQI+ project components. 
  6. Establish and implement reprisal and retaliation prevention and response mechanisms.   

For more information on our recommendations, read the full policy brief here.