A mirror and a map for the next generation of Accountability Mechanisms

Accountability Counsel’s new report, Accountability in Action or Inaction? An Empirical Study of Remedy Delivery in IAMs, offers the first comprehensive evaluation of the ways that Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) deliver justice to communities harmed by development bank–financed projects.

Drawing on analysis of all 2,270 complaints filed to 16 IAMs through 2022 and 45 interviews across 25 cases worldwide, the study reveals that while IAMs can achieve transformative remedies — such as improved labor practices, community health programs, and restored dialogue between companies and affected people — these outcomes remain rare. Only 15% of complaints resulted in any identifiable commitment, and just 10% saw at least one commitment fully completed.

The research highlights systemic challenges including poor implementation of commitments, power imbalances, and widespread retaliation against complainants, but also points to pathways for reform. Strengthening IAM mandates, improving monitoring and transparency, and ensuring timely, participatory remedy are essential to realizing the full promise of development accountability and making justice a consistent and predictable reality rather than an exception.

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