The Perspectives Project: Documenting and Reimagining IFI Accountability
Launched to mark the 30th anniversary of the World Bank Inspection Panel and independent accountability mechanisms generally, Perspectives publishes essays and interviews that explore the promise, reality, and future of the accountability mechanisms at international financial institutions (IFIs). Contributors to Perspectives include current and past members of accountability mechanisms, IFI managers and staff, community advocates who have brought or supported claims, civil society supporters, and academics. Their Perspectives explore the evolution, successes, shortcomings, and potential of the accountability mechanisms, and propose ways to make them more effective. Many of the Perspectives are also available in an open-source book, entitled Perspectives on Accountability at International Financial Institutions available from Brill publishers.
In addition to soliciting new essays and interviews, the Perspectives Project includes a comprehensive bibliography and an archives relating to the creation and evolution of the independent accountability mechanisms. The editors welcome proposed contributions to Perspectives, at perspectives.iam@gmail.com.
The Editors Daniel Bradlow Professor/Senior Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, Professor Emeritus, American University Washington College of Law.
David Hunter Professor Emeritus, American University's Washington College of Law.
Varsha Iyengar Lawyer, mediator, and an SJD Candidate at American University Washington College of Law.
Nick Paul Editor and writer with a background in business communications, journalism, and international development.
The editors thank the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for its generous support of the Perspectives Project, as well as its decades of support toward enhancing the accountability and reducing the environmental impact of international development finance institutions. The editors also thank the American University Washington College of Law and Khelani Clay, Access Serveices Law Librarian, for their support of the Perspectives website.
Interviews
Chad Dobson Reflects on the Launch of the World Bank Reform Campaign, Chad Dobson and Julie Radomski
I. Introduction and Background of Independent Accountability Mechanisms
The Inspection Panel and International Law, Daniel D. Bradlow
Rethinking 'What Counts' As Accountability, Jonathan Fox
Introduction: Introduction and Background of IAMs, The Editors
II. The World Bank Inspection Panel: Creation and Evolution
The Inspection Panel Early Years (An Inside Story), Eduardo G. Abbott
Key Developments at the World Bank Inspection Panel (2013-2024), Dilek Barlas
Reflections on the Launch of the Inspection Panel and People-Centered Accountability, David B. Hunter
Glass Half-Full or Glass Half-Empty? Thirty Years of Accountability at the Inspection Panel--The Impact of its Work and What the Data Tells Us, Ramanie Kunanayagam, Mark Goldsmith, Ibrahim James Pam, Serge Selwan, Richard Wyness, Ayako Kubodera, Camila Jorge do Amarel, and Rupes Dalai
Introduction: WBIP Creation and Evolution, The Editors
III. The World Bank Inspection Panel: Case Studies and Reflections
The World Bank, the Inspection Panel & Immunity, Joe Athialy
Three Decades of Seeking Elusive Remedies, Richard E. Bissell
World Bank's Roadmap and the Inspection Panel's Human Rights Responsibilities, Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky and C.P. Chandrasekhar
Reflections on the Role of the Panel, Charles Di Leva
Thirty Years of Accountability in International Development: Insights from the General Counsel of the World Bank Group, Christopher H. Stephens
Introduction: WBIP Case Studies and Reflections, The Editors
Unacceptable Means: The Inspection Panel Actions on World Bank Forcible Resettlement, Lori Udall
IV. The Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman: Creation and Evolution
Introduction: CAO Creation and Evolution, The Editors
V. The Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman: Case Studies and Reflections
Collaborative Dispute Resolution: Five Essential Questions, Scott Adams and Aparna Mukerjee
Exiting the Disaster, Evading the Responsibility? Wadi al-Qamar -- The Moon Valley, Suzan Nada
Introduction: CAO Case Studies and Reflections, The Editors
VI. Independent Accountability Mechanisms at Other Multilateral Development Banks
Introduction: IAMs at Other Bilateral and Multilateral Finance Institutions, The Editors
VII. Independent Accountability Mechanisms within the United Nations
Introduction: IAMs at UN Agencies, The Editors
IX. Management and Project Level Redress Mechanisms
Introduction: Management and Project Level Redress Mechanisms, The Editors
X. Reflections on Independent Accountability Mechanisms Generally
Ending Violence in Development Finance Actions to Affirmatively Prevent and Stop Reprisals Against Rights Defenders, Gregory Berry
Legal Risk and Accountability in Development Finance: Lessons from Jam v. International Finance Corporation, Michelle Harrison and Shannon Marcoux
The Critical Contribution of Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) to the Global Governance Paradigm, Owen McIntyre
The River of Accountability Mechanisms: Then and Now, Suresh Nanwani
An Increased Normalization of IAMs Faces Ground Realities: Lack of Transparency Impedes Access to IAMs, Hamid Sharif
Introduction: General Reflections on IAMs at Financial Institutions, The Editors
XI. Future Directions of Independent Accountability Mechanisms
The Promise of Collaborative Problem Solving in Enhancing IAM Effectiveness, Gina Barbieri
A Proposal for One “Super” Independent Accountability Mechanism, Daniel D. Bradlow
Can Mediation Provide Remedy For Human Rights Violations? A Quest for Justice Using a Development Bank Accountability Mechanism, Natalie Bugalski and David Pred
IMF Human Rights Accountability: A Pragmatic Way to Break the Deadlock, Aldo Caliari
Should Decisions of Independent Accountability Mechanisms be Binding?, Lalanath de Silva and Giada Giacomini
"Use and Improve" is My Accountability Mantra, Despite 30 Years of Eye-opening Disappointments, Natalie Bridgeman Fields
Accountability at the World Bank Group, Serge Selwan
Introduction: Future Directions of Accountability and IAMs, The Editors
Ending 30 years of IMF Exceptionalism: A Call for an Accountability Mechanism at the International Monetary Fund, Luiz Vieria