Accountability

BIC supports communities harmed by development projects in seeking accountability and remedy, and advocates for policies at the MDBs and accountability mechanisms that improve complaint outcomes and increase communities’ access to redress.

Priorities

BIC calls on the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to provide genuine accountability and effective remedy when their projects cause harm to people or the environment. Accountability mechanisms must be accessible, independent from MDB management, and firmly centered on the rights and voices of affected communities.

IAM History

The World Bank’s Inspection Panel was the first independent accountability mechanism, created with strong support from the U.S. Congress.

Structure

Most MDB accountability mechanisms have two functions: compliance, which reviews policy adherence, and dispute resolution, which helps resolve issues collaboratively.

Commitment to remedy

Only IFC has adopted a remedial framework, but no MDB has committed to funding remedy when their projects cause harm.

Related
Updates.

How can Congress improve the environmental, social, and accountability policies of IDB Invest through conditions on a general capital increase?

The U.S. Treasury Department recently supported a general capital increase

VIEW

What are the gaps in IDB Invest’s environmental and social performance?

BIC recently published a report detailing the shortcomings in IDB

VIEW

Why do the private sector arms of the MDBs fund projects that harm communities and the environment to a much greater extent than public sector arms?

While public sector MDB projects can and do cause harm,

VIEW

More
About Us

Meet out team, explore carreer opportunities, or search our database.

Meet Our Team

Our team of policy experts, regional specialists, and advocates works across institutions and regions to strengthen development finance policies and projects.

Stay
Updated

Get updates on our work to advance transparency, accountability, sustainability, and inclusion in development finance.

Find A Report

Search our publications for in-depth analysis of development bank policies, projects, and more.