The WBG reviews the process and the outcome of the consultation carried out by the borrower to satisfy itself that the affected indigenous communities have provided their "broad support" to the project. The WBG is not to proceed further with the project if that broad support is lacking. Again, the results of local votes on the projects can be key in gauging the level of that support.
The World Bank Group and the Extractive Industries Review
In 2001, the World Bank responded to concerns about some of the consequences of its loans by ordering the Extractive Industries Review (EIR), a comprehensive effort to examine and analyze the local and national impacts of oil, gas, and mining projects. The review found that ignoring the claims of local citizens to participate in decisions regarding extractive industry projects often led to long-term conflict, and that among the weakest areas of "safeguard consistency" for the projects that were reviewed were consultation with the public and the disclosure of information regarding environmental and social impacts.
The review concluded that both indigenous peoples and other affected populations have the right to participate in decision-making, and that their free, prior and informed consent is necessary at all stages of a given project.
World Bank Group Complaint Mechanisms
The World Bank Inspection Panel addresses the concerns of people who may be adversely affected by IBRD and IDA projects. The Panel's further goal is to ensure that the Bank adheres to its operational policies and procedures during the design, preparation and implementation of its projects.
The Inspection Panel Procedure is available when adversely affected people believe that the Bank itself has failed (or has failed to require others) to comply with its policies and procedures, but only after efforts have been made to ask Bank Management to deal with the problem. The Inspection Panel investigates "requests for inspection" and ultimately makes recommendations to the Bank concerning the objections raised by the requestors. The Inspection Panel website contains detailed information on past and current inspections.
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) reviews complaints brought by any individual or community directly impacted by an IFC project or likely to be. The Ombudsman's goal is to resolve issues by providing a process for parties to find mutually satisfactory solutions. The process is focused on identifying problems, recommending actions, and using conflict resolution and mediation approaches.
Extensive information about how to use these mechanisms can be found at the websites of the Bank Information Center and the International Accountability Project.
The International Finance Corporation assures itself that there is broad community support for the project within the affected communities before presenting the project for approval by IFC’s Board of Directors.
- International Finance Corporation