Accountability Counsel amplifies the voices of communities around the world to protect their human rights and environment. As advocates for people harmed by internationally financed projects, we employ community driven and policy level strategies to access justice.
Impact
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Communities Supported132
Our impact includes redesigned projects that now reflect community needs, harm stopped and prevented to defend water resources, and agreements resulting in compensation.
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Institutions Influenced95
We advocate for investors to create accountability offices that are independent, transparent, fair, and effective. We have improved policy and practice at development institutions, commercial banks, UN agencies, and within the OECD.
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Complaints Tracked1,801
We created and maintain the Accountability Console, a comprehensive database of community complaints filed with independent accountability mechanisms about the impacts of internationally financed projects.
News
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15 March, 2024
World Bank’s Banga apologizes to kids sexually abused at Bridge schools
In an email to staff, the bank’s leader admitted failings at its private-sector arm, which invested in the schools, but stopped short of offering financial compensation to alleged victims of sex abuse. -
14 March, 2024
World Bank Chief Apologizes to Staff for Handling of Child Sex Abuse Scandal
The IFC proposed a remedial plan Thursday. Civil society groups have been quick to condemn the plan as inadequate. -
14 March, 2024
IFC Response to Child Sexual Abuse Investigation Fails Survivors; Evades Responsibility
Today, the World Bank released a scandalous internal investigation of child sexual abuse allegations at private schools funded by its private sector arm, the IFC. Although World Bank President Ajay Banga has expressed contrition, the IFC’s official management response fails to offer meaningful remedy to the survivors of abuse that it turned a blind eye to for almost a decade. -
11 March, 2024
Comparing the Independent Accountability Mechanism Policy Review Process Across MDBs
Policy reviews at the World Bank, ADB, EBRD, and AIIB come at a time when MDBs have been entrusted with greater mandates to combat the urgent climate crisis. It is imperative that the policy reviews result in strong improvements to protect and guarantee the rights of project-affected communities around the world. -
8 March, 2024
IFC’s Response to Sexual Abuse Does Not Provide Remedy to Bridge Survivors; Executive Directors Should Reject It
On this International Women’s Day, the International Finance Corporation is asking its Executive Directors to endorse an inadequate and flawed plan in response to the investigation of child sexual abuse at Bridge International schools in Kenya. Executive Directors should reject the proposed MAP.