Following are introductions to the accountability mechanisms at several of the international financial institutions. Follow the links for more detailed information on both general accountability and the accountability mechanism at each institution.
Accountability at the World Bank, and the Inspection Panel
Established by the World Bank in August 1993, the Inspection Panel has been in operation since August 1994 and is empowered to investigate claims from people who have been or are likely to be directly affected by World Bank projects financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) regarding violations of Bank policy, procedures, and loan agreements. Read more
Accountability at the Asian Development Bank, and the Inspection Function
In May 2003, the Asian Development Bank adopted a new accountability mechanism to replace what was formerly called the ADB Inspection Function. The new mechanisms consist of two complementary functions: a consultation phase and compliance review phase. The consultation phase is intended to assist project-affected people with specific problems caused by ADB projects through a range of informal methods. 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. Read more
Accountability at the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Independent Investigation Mechanism (IIM)
In 1994, as part of the request for funds from the US Congress for the Bank’s Eighth Replenishment, the IDB Board of Governors approved the establishment of an Independent Investigation Mechanism (IIM) to allow affected groups within an IDB member country to request an independent investigation of Bank- supported operations that allegedly violate IDB procedures and guidelines, and as a result, have or are likely to cause material harm. Civil society groups have raised concerns regarding the IIM’s transparency, timelines, resources, and enforcement capacity. Read more
Accountability at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM)
In April 2003 the EBRD approved a new Independent Recourse Mechanism “whereby local groups that may be directly and adversely affected by a Bank-financed project would be able to raise their complaints or grievances with an arm of the Bank that would be independent from project operations” (EBRD website). The IRM has two components: a compliance review function focusing on issues of non-compliance by the Bank with specified EBRD policies; and a problem-solving function to be used where complaints or grievances can benefit from problem-solving techniques to assist in trying to resolve the underlying issues raised in the complaints. Read more
Accountability at the IFC and MIGA, and the Compliance Advisor/ Ombudsman (CAO)
The Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) position was created in 1999 by World Bank Group President James Wolfensohn to assist the IFC and MIGA to improve the social and environmental outcomes of their activities in the private sector and to address complaints of people affected by their projects. The CAO differs from other inspection functions in that it serves only an advisory and problem-solving function. NGOs continue to advocate for the extension of the World Bank's Independent Inspection Panel to IFC and MIGA operations. Read more