International Organizations and Private Complainants: The Case of the World Bank Inspection Panel

Daniel Bradlow, American University Washington College of Law

Abstract

This article provides background on the establishment of the World Bank Inspection Panel and discusses its significance. It argues that the Panel is an important international legal development for three reasons. First, it is the first forum in which private actors can hold an international organization accountable for its failure to follow its own rules and procedures. Second, because of the broad scope of the Bank's operating rules and policies, the Panel has the potential to influence substantive areas of international law. Third, the Panel will influence the development of international administrative law.