Accountability Counsel amplifies the voices of communities around the world to protect their human rights and environment. As advocates for people harmed by internationally financed projects, we employ community driven and policy level strategies to access justice.
Impact
-
Communities Supported142
Our impact includes redesigned projects that now reflect community needs, harm stopped and prevented to defend water resources, and agreements resulting in compensation.
-
Institutions Influenced162
We advocate for investors to create accountability offices that are independent, transparent, fair, and effective. We have improved policy and practice at development institutions, commercial banks, UN agencies, and within the OECD.
-
Complaints Tracked2,000+
We created and maintain the Accountability Console, a comprehensive database of community complaints filed with independent accountability mechanisms about the impacts of internationally financed projects.
News
-
6 November, 2025Long Isun Community Pushes for Mediation in Formal Complaint Against World Bank Carbon Project in Indonesia / Masyarakat Long Isun Mendorong untuk Diadakannya Mediasi dalam Komplain Resmi terhadap Proyek Karbon oleh Bank Dunia di Indonesia
Long Isun’s complaint against the East Kalimantan Project highlights environmental harms and a systemic failure to protect Indigenous rights. / Komplain oleh Long Isun terhadap Proyek di Kalimantan Timur menyorot kerugian lingkungan dan kegagalan sistem dalam melindungi hak-hak masyarakat adat. -
5 November, 2025Urging Crucial Updates to the Independent Complaints Mechanism of FMO, DEG, and Proparco
In August 2025, external stakeholders were finally given an opportunity to provide input into a review of the shared Independent Complaints Mechanism (ICM) of three bilateral development finance institutions (DFIs) – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG) of Germany, FMO Dutch Entrepreneurial Bank (FMO) of the Netherlands and Proparco of France. Accountability Counsel, along with Both ENDS, Inclusive Development International and 12 other endorsing organizations, have submitted formal comments alongside proposed amendments to the ICM consultation. The comments support much-needed improvements to the policy and shared structure of the mechanism, while also naming specific areas that potentially compromise the ICM’s independence, perceived legitimacy, and overall effectiveness. -
4 November, 2025Key takeaways from a joint session at the 7th UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia-Pacific in Bangkok
On 19 September 2025, Accountability Counsel, UN Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), and Give to Nature, co-organized a panel discussion at the United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia-Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. -
3 November, 2025Silenced by Fear: How Retaliation Risks Undermine Access to Accountability Mechanisms
Filing a complaint with an Independent Accountability Mechanism (IAM) can bring justice and remedy but it also puts communities and their allies at risk of harassment, violence, and repression. -
20 October, 2025World Bank pledges ‘no regression’ as it weighs accountability overhaul
As the bank tries to streamline overlapping functions, board members sought to assure civil society groups that communities negatively affected by the institution’s projects will have the same level of access to accountability functions.
