2002-2003 review
In an effort to more effectively address the concerns of project-affected people, and in response to calls from civil society for greater accountability, between April 2002 and May 2003 the Inspection Function became the subject of the ADB’s most thorough and comprehensive policy review to date. After receiving both internal and external input on four proposed options, the ADB Board of Directors approved a new accountability mechanism that consists of two complementary functions: a consultation phase and a compliance review phase, which together will replace the ADB's Inspection Function. The structure, function, and use of this new Accountability Mechanism are described below. The Accountability Mechanism, as per the Policy Paper, will be reviewed by Management three years after its date of effectiveness, i.e. December 2003.
Although this new Mechanism replaces the ADB's former Inspection Function, projects that had been previously filed under the former Inspection Function mechanism will be carried out according to the old policy.
Process
The consultation phase is intended to assist project-affected people with specific problems caused by ADB projects through a range of informal methods with the consent and participation of all parties involved. This phase will be run by a Special Project Facilitator (SPF) who will report to the President of the ADB. The policy requires that all complaints first be filed with the Office of the SPF; however, if the requesters feel that this process is not satisfactory, there are various stages where they can choose to have their case addressed by the Compliance Review Panel (CRP). (For more on this, see How to File a Claim below).
The compliance review phase determines whether the ADB has violated any of its operational policies and procedures throughout the formulation, processing, or implementation of a project that directly, materially, and adversely affects local people. This phase will be run by a three person Compliance Review Panel (CRP) that will report to the ADB’s Board of Executive Directors.
Information on How to File a Claim.