19 February 2004
In December 2003 the ADB's new Accountability Mechanism officially became effective. The new mechanism consists of two complementary functions: a consultation phase, run by a Special Project Facilitator (SPF) and a compliance review phase, run by a three member compliance review panel (CRP), which together have replaced the ADB's previous Inspection Function.
SPF finalizing procedures
The SPF is currently finalizing procedures for his office. The SPF posted a draft set of procedures and invited comments for several weeks throughout January and February 2004. On February 16, 2004 BIC, in conjunction with Bangla Praxis (Bangladesh) and Mekong Watch (Japan), submitted comments on the draft procedures with the goals of ensuring that the procedures are consistent with the ADB Board approved policy for the new mechanism and that the engagement of any future complainants is facilitated and not hampered by these procedures. Soon after submission, the SPF provided us with a response to our comments. See both our comments and the SPF's response below:
CRP chair to assume office end of February 2004
Augustinus Rumansara, chair of the new CRP, is scheduled to assume his office during the last week of February 2004.
The draft CRP operating procedures are currently under consideration by Mr. Rumansara and the other CRP members. A draft set of procedures for the CRP are likely to be posted for public comment in April 2004.
For more information see BIC's ADB Accountability Mechanism page.