The Accountability Mechanism Review
The ADB's Accountability Mechanism was approved in December 2003, replacing the 1995 Inspection Function. Although a review of the policy was scheduled in 2006, it was postponed until 2008 and later rescheduled till end of 2009 after the approval of the new Safeguard Policy Statement and the Energy Strategy. The ADB officially started its policy review when ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda made an announcement during its Annual Meeting in Tashkent in May 2010.
The ADB conducted a series of multi-stakeholders consultations in Asia, Europe and the United States from September to November 2010 (view schedule of regional consultations). It also held consultations with affected people in selected countries.
In April 2011, Forum submitted its comments on the consultation draft policy paper. Civil society organizations, however, criticized the ADB for coming up with a draft Working Paper--a draft policy version submitted to the ADB Board of Directors for review--two days after the deadline for submission of public comments on the consultation draft policy paper. In May 2011, after Forum's continuous pushing and lobbying, the bank decided to put the review process on the right track by inviting public comments on the draft Working Paper.
In June 2011, Forum submitted its comments on the first Working-Paper. In July, ADB released its second Working-Paper which is currently open for public comments. (View AM Review Timeline)
Forum members have been using the AM to register local communities' complaints on the Bank's lapses in terms of its policies, programs and projects. While there was not a single complaint filed in 2008, out of the 13 cases in 2009, four of which were filed by Forum members. More complaints are on their way to the AM. (View list of AM cases filed by Forum members)
Act on the AM Review. Send your comments to the ADB.
Submissions to the AM Review Process
Forum's comments on the 2nd Working Paper on the AM review
ADB watchdog continues to urge the ADB to increase accessibility of the Accountability Mechanism by expanding the scope of policy and making it more responsive to affected people.
Forum's letter addressed to Joint Board-Management Working Group on second consultation draft
Urging the ADB to reconsider increasing accessibility and independence of the Accountability Mechanism, the bank watchdog expresses its disappointment over bank's disregard of affected people.
Forum's comments on the first AM Working-Paper
Challenging it to take a bolder step, Forum demands from the ADB to provide affected people with greater access to its Accountability Mechanism.
Forum's comments on the AM Policy Review Consultation Paper
Though the intention of the ADB is to improve the existing Accountability Mechanism, Forum points out provisions in the current draft that say otherwise.
Forum's submission to the Accountability Mechanism Review
Members of the NGO Forum on the ADB demanded from the ADB a more responsive Accountability Mechanism to affected people.
Cambodian NGOs comment on the AM review
With only one case filed from Cambodia, local groups submit their concerns on the existing Accountability Mechanism.
Accountability Counsel's submission to the AM review
Supporting oil-affected indigenous communities, subsistence farmers and dam-affected people, Accountability Counsel submits its comments on the AM and endorses Forum's submission.
Related news
Bank watchdog urges ADB not to dilute Accountability Mechanism
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 2 Sep 11 -- NGO Forum on ADB today expressed its strong disappointment over the second consultation paper of the ongoing Accountability Mechanism review. In a letter, Forum said the ADB has continued to sideline affected people for whom the policy is really intended for.
A new obstacle
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 19 Aug 11 -- While it would seem benefiting the affected people at a quick look, requiring them to address their concerns with a local grievance mechanism about lapses of the ADB in its operations would not simply do the trick and could even dilute the AM.
Bank watchdog demands bolder step from ADB
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 1 Jun 11 -- The NGO Forum on ADB today challenged the Asian Development Bank to provide people adversely affected by its projects with greater access to its Accountability Mechanism.
Bank watchdog commends ADB for small step in policy review, calls on NGOs for greater vigilance
HANOI, VIETNAM, 4 MAY 11 -- In a sponsored panel discussion today, the NGO Forum on ADB challenged further the Asian Development Bank to come up with a stronger, more responsive Accountability Mechanism.
Forum Annual Meeting ends disputing ADB's Accountability
HANOI, VIETNAM, 1 May 11 -- Forum today questioned the effectiveness of the ADB's Accountability Mechanism. According to the Bank watchdog, experiences on the ground show that ADB has not been responsive to the concerns and issues of local communities adversely affected by the ADB.
Forum slams ADB for ignoring public comments on ongoing AM review
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 18 Apr 11 -- The NGO Forum on ADB criticizes the Asian Development Bank’s review process on its Accountability Mechanism for completely sidelining stakeholders’ comments on the consultation draft.
Towards making ADB Accountable
BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, 7 Apr 11 -- When the world is facing multiple crisis: food crisis, economic meltdown, spring in Middle East and Arab world, the Central Asian civil society members called for a two-day dialogue in Bishkek on governance and accountability.
Eleven years of promises (Part 2 of 2)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 22 Feb 11 -- With a promise of better life through the new Highway One Road project funded by the Asian Development Bank, Ming Chhin and her neighbors are still waiting. Though Ming Chhin has received compensation amounting to US$1,700, it was not enough to make their lives better off.
Eleven years of promises (Part 1 of 2)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 15 Feb 11 -- Ming Chhin recounts the ordeal that she went through upon being displaced by the ADB-funded Highway One project in Cambodia. Eleven years ago, she was promised that her life will be better off. She still waits until now.
Five reasons why the Accountability Mechanism may be ineffective
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 7 Feb 11 -- From lack of transparency to non-compliance with its own policies, moreover, recommendations of its own Compliance Review Panel, the leading business paper in the country points out five reasons why the Accountability Mechanism of the ADB may be ineffective.
End of the road: Is the ADB accountable in Sri Lanka road project?
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, 15 Sep 10 --The effectiveness of the ADB' Accountability Mechanism is put to test in Sri Lanka. As the Compliance Review Panel is about to finish its task on the controversial Matara-Colombo Highway, people's concerns are still unresolved. Where should they go now?
Rationality of accountability: ADB must look beyond PCR (news article)
MANILA, PHILLIPPINES, 13 Sep 10 -- Under the existing Accountability Mechanism, complaints against a project can be filed until the release of its project completion report. Forum takes on the bank's "leave-it-and-forget-about-it" attitude when communities miss the deadline.
Effectiveness of the Accountability Mechanism in Central Asia and Caucasus (news article)
BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, 3 Sep 2010 -- The OSPF recently declared the case of the Education Sector Reform Project in Tajikistan eligible. Out of the five complaints in Central Asia and the Caucasus, two were deemed eligible under the Accountability Mechanism. This article talks about concerns on the AM in the region.
Water project displaces hundreds of Indonesians
BEKASI, INDONESIA 2 Dec 09 -- Hundreds of Indonesians living along the Kalimalang Canal were displaced, local shops were demolished. The massive displacement is connected to the ADB-funded Citarum water resource management project.
Handling the Symptoms but not the Disease, (news article) by Tea Soentoro, November 2009
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 Nov 09 -- The ADB last week conducted a briefing session with civil society on its accountability mechanism. Tea Soentoro talks about how it went and what could be expected from the upcoming review in 2010.
Related documents
Asking a blind about colors
November 2010
Witnesses' account on the AM Review Consultation in Manila. Majority of the participants do not have adequate information and understanding of the mechanism.
ADB Accountability Mechanism in Central Asia and the Caucasus
By Maya Eralieva, September 2010
As the number and amount of investment has been increased in the countries, the number of issues regarding the impacts of the project has also increased. This paper looks into the ongoing issues on the existing AM of the ADB in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Problems of the Accountability Mechanism of the Asian Development Bank
By Indonesian groups, September 2010
Indonesian members of the Forum presents the pressing issues in the existing Accountability Mechanism and suggests a set of recommendations in making the mechanism more responsive to the concerns of the affected people.
Greater Mekong Subregion: Mekong Tourism Development Project
By Katherine Conchada, September 2010
While people complained about compensation and consultation, lack of information, and loss of property and business. However the complaint was deemed not eligible.
Sixth Road Project: Not Eligible
By Katherine Conchada, August 2010
Despite its own conclusion that the land acquisition activities had taken place in a most uncoordinated and haphazard manner, the ADB’s AM determined the complaint as not eligible.
Holding ADB Accountable: A Look at the Present Accountability Mechanism
By Tea Soentoro, August 2010
In time for the ongoing review of the Accountability Mechanism, Forum tackles the existing gaps and limitations of the policy and presents recommendations that could make the policy more effective and responsive to affected communities.
Global Accountability Report 2007: A Green Wash for the ADB
By Hemantha Withanage, December 2007
Forum challenged the Global Accountability Report 2007 published by the UK-based One World Trust (OWT), branding it as a green wash for the ADB which is responsible for many social and environmental disasters in Asia and the Pacific region.
Accountability Mechanism: A Jailbird of Democracy
By Hemantha Withanage, 2006
In reaction to the CRP monitoring report on STDP showing the ADB and the Road Development Authority not complying with most of the remedial action proposed by the CRP, Forum questions the bureaucratic process of the mechanism and its effectiveness given the small number of complaints filed before the AM.
Strengthening Public Accountability: Recommendations to ADB for Revising its Inspection Policy
By BIC, CREED, Environmental Foundation, et al, March 2002
Six years after establishing its Inspection Function in 1995, the ADB conducted its first Inspection involving the Samut Prakarn Wastewater Management Project in Thailand in 2001. Throughout the various stages of this Inspection process, serious flaws with the ADB Inspection Function have become evident.
CRBIP-III: Stakeholder Dialogue on Social Impacts: Summary of Action Recommendations
March 2002
A multi-stakeholder dialogue on the social impacts of the Chashma Right Bank Irrigation Project (CRBIP), Stage III was held in Dera Ismail Khan and project areas during March 4-7,2002.
ADB's Inspection Function Under Review
By Violeta Q. Perez-Corral, March 2001
This briefer outlines a set of recommendations by the NGOs on the ongoing review of the ADB's Inspection Function.
Pakistan: Lessons from Korangi 'Inspection' Case
By CREED, April 2000
After eight months of challenging the project's transparency, the ADB and the Pakistani government conceded to providing local communities project information. In September 1999, the ADB terminated the loan agreement.
The ADB's Inspection Function - Two Views
By Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) & NGO Working Group on ADB, March 1998
This paper provides a brief background on the ADB's Inspection Function and outlines the policy's limitations.
The ADB's Accountability Mechanism was approved in December 2003, replacing the 1995 Inspection Function. Although a review of the policy was scheduled in 2006, it was postponed until 2008 and later rescheduled till end of 2009 after the approval of the new Safeguard Policy Statement and the Energy Strategy. The ADB officially started its policy review when ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda made an announcement during its Annual Meeting in Tashkent in May 2010.
The ADB conducted a series of multi-stakeholders consultations in Asia, Europe and the United States from September to November 2010 (view schedule of regional consultations). It also held consultations with affected people in selected countries.
In April 2011, Forum submitted its comments on the consultation draft policy paper. Civil society organizations, however, criticized the ADB for coming up with a draft Working Paper--a draft policy version submitted to the ADB Board of Directors for review--two days after the deadline for submission of public comments on the consultation draft policy paper. In May 2011, after Forum's continuous pushing and lobbying, the bank decided to put the review process on the right track by inviting public comments on the draft Working Paper.
In June 2011, Forum submitted its comments on the first Working-Paper. In July, ADB released its second Working-Paper which is currently open for public comments. (View AM Review Timeline)
Forum members have been using the AM to register local communities' complaints on the Bank's lapses in terms of its policies, programs and projects. While there was not a single complaint filed in 2008, out of the 13 cases in 2009, four of which were filed by Forum members. More complaints are on their way to the AM. (View list of AM cases filed by Forum members)
Act on the AM Review. Send your comments to the ADB.
Submissions to the AM Review Process
Forum's comments on the 2nd Working Paper on the AM review
ADB watchdog continues to urge the ADB to increase accessibility of the Accountability Mechanism by expanding the scope of policy and making it more responsive to affected people.
Forum's letter addressed to Joint Board-Management Working Group on second consultation draft
Urging the ADB to reconsider increasing accessibility and independence of the Accountability Mechanism, the bank watchdog expresses its disappointment over bank's disregard of affected people.
Forum's comments on the first AM Working-Paper
Challenging it to take a bolder step, Forum demands from the ADB to provide affected people with greater access to its Accountability Mechanism.
Forum's comments on the AM Policy Review Consultation Paper
Though the intention of the ADB is to improve the existing Accountability Mechanism, Forum points out provisions in the current draft that say otherwise.
Forum's submission to the Accountability Mechanism Review
Members of the NGO Forum on the ADB demanded from the ADB a more responsive Accountability Mechanism to affected people.
Cambodian NGOs comment on the AM review
With only one case filed from Cambodia, local groups submit their concerns on the existing Accountability Mechanism.
Accountability Counsel's submission to the AM review
Supporting oil-affected indigenous communities, subsistence farmers and dam-affected people, Accountability Counsel submits its comments on the AM and endorses Forum's submission.
Related news
Bank watchdog urges ADB not to dilute Accountability Mechanism
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 2 Sep 11 -- NGO Forum on ADB today expressed its strong disappointment over the second consultation paper of the ongoing Accountability Mechanism review. In a letter, Forum said the ADB has continued to sideline affected people for whom the policy is really intended for.
A new obstacle
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 19 Aug 11 -- While it would seem benefiting the affected people at a quick look, requiring them to address their concerns with a local grievance mechanism about lapses of the ADB in its operations would not simply do the trick and could even dilute the AM.
Bank watchdog demands bolder step from ADB
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 1 Jun 11 -- The NGO Forum on ADB today challenged the Asian Development Bank to provide people adversely affected by its projects with greater access to its Accountability Mechanism.
Bank watchdog commends ADB for small step in policy review, calls on NGOs for greater vigilance
HANOI, VIETNAM, 4 MAY 11 -- In a sponsored panel discussion today, the NGO Forum on ADB challenged further the Asian Development Bank to come up with a stronger, more responsive Accountability Mechanism.
Forum Annual Meeting ends disputing ADB's Accountability
HANOI, VIETNAM, 1 May 11 -- Forum today questioned the effectiveness of the ADB's Accountability Mechanism. According to the Bank watchdog, experiences on the ground show that ADB has not been responsive to the concerns and issues of local communities adversely affected by the ADB.
Forum slams ADB for ignoring public comments on ongoing AM review
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 18 Apr 11 -- The NGO Forum on ADB criticizes the Asian Development Bank’s review process on its Accountability Mechanism for completely sidelining stakeholders’ comments on the consultation draft.
Towards making ADB Accountable
BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, 7 Apr 11 -- When the world is facing multiple crisis: food crisis, economic meltdown, spring in Middle East and Arab world, the Central Asian civil society members called for a two-day dialogue in Bishkek on governance and accountability.
Eleven years of promises (Part 2 of 2)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 22 Feb 11 -- With a promise of better life through the new Highway One Road project funded by the Asian Development Bank, Ming Chhin and her neighbors are still waiting. Though Ming Chhin has received compensation amounting to US$1,700, it was not enough to make their lives better off.
Eleven years of promises (Part 1 of 2)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 15 Feb 11 -- Ming Chhin recounts the ordeal that she went through upon being displaced by the ADB-funded Highway One project in Cambodia. Eleven years ago, she was promised that her life will be better off. She still waits until now.
Five reasons why the Accountability Mechanism may be ineffective
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 7 Feb 11 -- From lack of transparency to non-compliance with its own policies, moreover, recommendations of its own Compliance Review Panel, the leading business paper in the country points out five reasons why the Accountability Mechanism of the ADB may be ineffective.
End of the road: Is the ADB accountable in Sri Lanka road project?
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, 15 Sep 10 --The effectiveness of the ADB' Accountability Mechanism is put to test in Sri Lanka. As the Compliance Review Panel is about to finish its task on the controversial Matara-Colombo Highway, people's concerns are still unresolved. Where should they go now?
Rationality of accountability: ADB must look beyond PCR (news article)
MANILA, PHILLIPPINES, 13 Sep 10 -- Under the existing Accountability Mechanism, complaints against a project can be filed until the release of its project completion report. Forum takes on the bank's "leave-it-and-forget-about-it" attitude when communities miss the deadline.
Effectiveness of the Accountability Mechanism in Central Asia and Caucasus (news article)
BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, 3 Sep 2010 -- The OSPF recently declared the case of the Education Sector Reform Project in Tajikistan eligible. Out of the five complaints in Central Asia and the Caucasus, two were deemed eligible under the Accountability Mechanism. This article talks about concerns on the AM in the region.
Water project displaces hundreds of Indonesians
BEKASI, INDONESIA 2 Dec 09 -- Hundreds of Indonesians living along the Kalimalang Canal were displaced, local shops were demolished. The massive displacement is connected to the ADB-funded Citarum water resource management project.
Handling the Symptoms but not the Disease, (news article) by Tea Soentoro, November 2009
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 Nov 09 -- The ADB last week conducted a briefing session with civil society on its accountability mechanism. Tea Soentoro talks about how it went and what could be expected from the upcoming review in 2010.
Related documents
Asking a blind about colors
November 2010
Witnesses' account on the AM Review Consultation in Manila. Majority of the participants do not have adequate information and understanding of the mechanism.
ADB Accountability Mechanism in Central Asia and the Caucasus
By Maya Eralieva, September 2010
As the number and amount of investment has been increased in the countries, the number of issues regarding the impacts of the project has also increased. This paper looks into the ongoing issues on the existing AM of the ADB in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Problems of the Accountability Mechanism of the Asian Development Bank
By Indonesian groups, September 2010
Indonesian members of the Forum presents the pressing issues in the existing Accountability Mechanism and suggests a set of recommendations in making the mechanism more responsive to the concerns of the affected people.
Greater Mekong Subregion: Mekong Tourism Development Project
By Katherine Conchada, September 2010
While people complained about compensation and consultation, lack of information, and loss of property and business. However the complaint was deemed not eligible.
Sixth Road Project: Not Eligible
By Katherine Conchada, August 2010
Despite its own conclusion that the land acquisition activities had taken place in a most uncoordinated and haphazard manner, the ADB’s AM determined the complaint as not eligible.
Holding ADB Accountable: A Look at the Present Accountability Mechanism
By Tea Soentoro, August 2010
In time for the ongoing review of the Accountability Mechanism, Forum tackles the existing gaps and limitations of the policy and presents recommendations that could make the policy more effective and responsive to affected communities.
Global Accountability Report 2007: A Green Wash for the ADB
By Hemantha Withanage, December 2007
Forum challenged the Global Accountability Report 2007 published by the UK-based One World Trust (OWT), branding it as a green wash for the ADB which is responsible for many social and environmental disasters in Asia and the Pacific region.
Accountability Mechanism: A Jailbird of Democracy
By Hemantha Withanage, 2006
In reaction to the CRP monitoring report on STDP showing the ADB and the Road Development Authority not complying with most of the remedial action proposed by the CRP, Forum questions the bureaucratic process of the mechanism and its effectiveness given the small number of complaints filed before the AM.
Strengthening Public Accountability: Recommendations to ADB for Revising its Inspection Policy
By BIC, CREED, Environmental Foundation, et al, March 2002
Six years after establishing its Inspection Function in 1995, the ADB conducted its first Inspection involving the Samut Prakarn Wastewater Management Project in Thailand in 2001. Throughout the various stages of this Inspection process, serious flaws with the ADB Inspection Function have become evident.
CRBIP-III: Stakeholder Dialogue on Social Impacts: Summary of Action Recommendations
March 2002
A multi-stakeholder dialogue on the social impacts of the Chashma Right Bank Irrigation Project (CRBIP), Stage III was held in Dera Ismail Khan and project areas during March 4-7,2002.
ADB's Inspection Function Under Review
By Violeta Q. Perez-Corral, March 2001
This briefer outlines a set of recommendations by the NGOs on the ongoing review of the ADB's Inspection Function.
Pakistan: Lessons from Korangi 'Inspection' Case
By CREED, April 2000
After eight months of challenging the project's transparency, the ADB and the Pakistani government conceded to providing local communities project information. In September 1999, the ADB terminated the loan agreement.
The ADB's Inspection Function - Two Views
By Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) & NGO Working Group on ADB, March 1998
This paper provides a brief background on the ADB's Inspection Function and outlines the policy's limitations.
© 2008 NGO Forum on ADB. | Content may be used freely if source is acknowledged.