Blog

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), whose finance last year exceeded USD 52 billion, is currently reviewing the effectiveness of its independent accountability mechanism (IAM) for addressing allegations of environmental and social harm from communities, the Project-Affected People’s Mechanism (PPM). Ultimately, the success of the PPM as a trust-building office…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) held its Annual Meetings on May 27–31, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme ‘Africa’s Transformation, the African Development Bank Group, and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture.’ About 5,000 delegates, including representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) working in Africa, attended the event.…

Accountability Counsel is thrilled to welcome Michael Jarvis to our Board of Directors!

This article analyzes community-led complaints about forced displacement in development bank projects, including coercive resettlement agreements and violent removals, and suggests measures to prevent future harm.

One year since the signing of a dispute resolution agreement, advisors Accountability Counsel and Witness Radio evaluate progress toward the agreement’s implementation and remedy for community members.

We welcome the World Bank Board’s initiative in moving forward with the external investigation of the alleged Bridge Academies cover-up. However, the Bank’s press release sends mixed messages.

As Accountability Counsel prepares for the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Yerevan, Armenia, we highlight the sobering story of one of the EBRD’s most contentious projects in the country – the Amulsar Gold Mine. This project serves as a reminder of  what can go wrong when investment happens without adequate preparation for remediating negative impacts on local communities. As the EBRD revises the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) that governs its operations, it must commit to remediating harmful impacts and develop a plan for responsibly divesting from projects.

A deep dive into the use of independent accountability mechanisms to ensure nature-positive and rights-compatible development in the pursuit of biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration.

Dialogue is essential to inclusive development. The social license to operate in a given community depends on it. To be certain, creating intentional spaces to reflect on the actual experiences of project-impacted communities serves sustainability and continued improvement of impact. If Multilateral Development Banks and other institutions truly want to make their annual or biannual gatherings inclusive and hear from those most affected by the decisions made by these institutions, they must create more opportunities for civil society to engage with bank leadership during these meetings and remove restrictions and barriers to civil society participation. 

With the release of the new draft Environmental and Social Policy, we look at outcomes data to evaluate whether remedy has been provided when its financed projects cause environmental or social harm.

On March 13, 2024, World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga announced an external investigation of allegations of interference in the IFC Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) process as relates to IFC’s investments in Bridge International Academies. As the World Bank Group moves forward with this investigation, it is important that it is independent and thorough.

Recognizing the need for U.S. leadership, the new U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct (NAP) includes commitments from various government agencies to promote responsible business conduct. Accountability Counsel submitted recommendations for the NAP, and we are happy to see several of our recommendations addressed.

While the CSDDD’s advancement is commendable, finalizing the CSDDD must be the beginning – not the end – of conversations on how to ensure that business and finance operates in a just, sustainable, and accountable way.

Today, the World Bank released a scandalous internal investigation of child sexual abuse allegations at private schools funded by its private sector arm, the IFC. Although World Bank President Ajay Banga has expressed contrition, the IFC’s official management response fails to offer meaningful remedy to the survivors of abuse that it turned a blind eye to for almost a decade.

Policy reviews at the World Bank, ADB, EBRD, and AIIB come at a time when MDBs have been entrusted with greater mandates to combat the urgent climate crisis. It is imperative that the policy reviews result in strong improvements to protect and guarantee the rights of project-affected communities around the world.

On this International Women’s Day, the International Finance Corporation is asking its Executive Directors to endorse an inadequate and flawed plan in response to the investigation of child sexual abuse at Bridge International schools in Kenya. Executive Directors should reject the proposed MAP.

Analyzing complaints that are connected to energy transition minerals (ETM) projects, which are considered crucial for the transition to renewable energy, and posit three theories as to why there are not more complaints given the high volume of ETM projects and the harm associated with them.

If the World Bank wants to be taken seriously as a development institution, then its response to the Bridge Academies case is a test that it cannot afford to fail.

Today is my first day as Accountability Counsel’s Executive Director, and I am reflecting on community and accountability. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the community of advocates, supporters, movements, and organizations that have made Accountability Counsel what it is today. This is Accountability Counsel’s 15th year, which is an…

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we share with you that, after an exhaustive search, Margaux Day has been appointed Accountability Counsel’s next Executive Director.