As the World Bank Group considers integration of its independent accountability mechanisms (IAMs)—the Inspection Panel, Dispute Resolution Service and the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman—Inclusive Development International joins our civil society partners in calling on the Board to proceed with caution.
It is more important to do this well than to do it quickly. Done well, integration could increase the independence and accessibility of these mechanisms for communities impacted by World Bank Group investments. But done poorly and in haste, it could lead to a more confusing, less independent and less accessible system, harming the very communities these mechanisms and the World Bank are supposed to be supporting.
Responding to a recent draft report issued by the Task Force commissioned to develop options and recommendations for the merger, Accountability Counsel, Recourse, Inclusive Development International and ten other civil society organizations have published recommendations focused on ensuring that any proposed mechanism can effectively facilitate remedy for communities, which requires a strong policy. Proceeding with a change to structure without also committing to new, improved policy (as we hear some stakeholders have suggested) would be disastrous. Our recommendations include that the World Bank Group take a phased approach to maximize effectiveness and the positive potential of the integration process.
Read the full comments here.