WASHINGTON, 6 May 2009: The Inter-American Development Bank Wednesday unveiled its new proposed Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM)—the process through which affected communities can voice concerns about an IDB project.
The ICIM is a draft proposal, which is open to public consultation for civil society groups and other actors to express their suggestions and provide feedback. The idea is to enhance and speed up the investigation process of external allegations.
The new ICIM focuses on three critical areas of the Bank: environmental and associated safeguard policies; women in development; and information disclosure policies. It adds a consultation phase to address community concerns through alternative dispute resolution methods.
In addition, the new ICIM provides the investigative panel with training to improve the information given to the IDB Board of Executive Directors and facilitates its oversight. It also promotes more disclosure and transparency, simplifies processes and works in line with other peer institutions’ mechanisms.
The mandate for an independent mechanism comes from the IDB’s Board of Governors, made up of top Central Bank and finance ministry officials from the 48 member countries. The Governors directed that a tool be established to promote the Bank’s accountability, transparency and effectiveness. This proposal will further that mandate and provide a new framework to address the concerns of communities throughout the region.
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