Introduction to the World Bank Inspection Panel

The World Bank Inspection Panel is a three-member body that was created in an attempt to increase the accountability of the World Bank and to improve compliance with its social and environmental policies. The Panel is available as a forum for locally affected people who believe that they have been or are likely to be adversely affected as a result of the Bank’s policy violations. Since it came into existence in 1994, the Panel has received 20 claims, coming from places as diverse as Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China/Tibet, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, and Paraguay. The Inspection Panel is an important precedent in international law, as it provides a unique opportunity for local citizens to challenge the activities of an international institution.

CIEL has been actively involved with the Inspection Panel from the beginning. CIEL provides information, advice and advocacy support to grass-roots organizations that are interested in learning more about the World Bank and the Inspection Panel. CIEL also has played a key role in advancing awareness of the Panel, in particular through publication of A Citizen's Guide to the World Bank Inspection Panel, Second Edition. Given that we are based in Washington, CIEL is able to facilitate the flow of information between claimants and the Bank and the Panel. CIEL has also played a key role in monitoring the frequent attempts within the Bank to diminish the powers and mandate of the Inspection Panel. CIEL works closely with a network of non-governmental organizations that are committed to increasing the accountability and transparency of international financial institutions.