IDB conducts public consultations on it Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism to improve accountability

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On August 2, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) opened the first phase of public consultations on its Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM), aiming to revise and update the ICIM policy that has been in effect since September 2010.

The ICIM (commonly known by its Spanish acronym, MICI) is an IDB policy that establishes an independent body to review complaints from communities and individuals negatively impacted by IDB operations; it also oversees compliance with the IDB environmental and social safeguard policies.

The review and revision of the ICIM policy follows an evaluation by the IDB’s Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE), published in December 2012, identifying the various challenges that establishing and operating an effective accountability mechanism consistent with standards of international best practices presents, which were reflected in the current ICIM policy. The OVE evaluation emphasizes the urgent need to revise the ICIM policy, clarify internal roles and responsibilities, establish transparent procedures consistent with the policy passed by the Board of Directors, improve communication with claimants and other ICIM participants, and clarify incorrect perceptions – both internal and external – about the functions, role, and responsibilities of the ICIM.

Open until September 30, the first round of public consultations on the ICIM aims to collect feedback from stakeholders, experts, affected communities, and other interested parties. The IDB has scheduled two meetings in September and November, which may be attended in person or via videoconference, and has asked for comments to be submitted by email and by fax.

The second phase of the public consultation process, whose dates have not yet been announced, will take place at the end of 2013 and will ask for further feedback for the upcoming draft of the revised ICIM policy. After the conclusion of both public consultation phases, the IDB will publish a summary of the comments collected and the IDB Board of Executive Directors will review the final draft of the new ICIM policy.