On September 21, 1993, the Executive Directors of the World Bank took unprecedented action in creating an independent inspection panel to address complaints related to Bank projects and the Bank’s failure to follow its own rules. For the first time in the Bank’s 50-year history, citizens, associations, and nongovernmental organizations harmed by Bank funded developments have the opportunity to request an independent, accountable investigation. But how independent and how accountable?
This paper briefly describes events leading to the resolution that established the panel, then addresses shortcomings in the resolution that may impede the panel’s performance. It also contains recommendations aimed at increasing the likelihood that the panel will, in fact, play a viable role in investigating complaints about Bank projects and operations.