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Harm in the Agribusiness Sector
November 2021
In our November edition, Policy Associate Gregory Berry and Senior Communities Associate Caitlin Daniel dive into complaints on Agribusiness projects, and argue that banks must confront the history of environmental and social harm in the agribusiness sector.
We're also unveiling a new section of the newsletter to highlight noteworthy updates on IAM and Bank policies and practices. If you have anything you'd like to include, or an article you'd like to submit, please contact us.
What's New
Updates to Console data, features, and functionality
- Document Browsing: Complaint and Policy documents can now be viewed without using specific search terms.
Research: In the Agribusiness Sector, a History of Harm
By Caitlin Daniel, Gregory Berry — Nov. 1, 2021
Accountability Spotlight
Noteworthy updates on Bank and IAM policy and practice
World Bank Accountability Mechanism Publishes Interim Procedures for its DRS
The World Bank Accountability Mechanism issued interim procedures for its new dispute resolution function (the DRS), which enshrine good practice in some ways, including stating that the DRS is independent from Bank management, recognizing that community members might need to keep their identities confidential, confirming the right to representation, and condemning retaliation, and fall short of good practice in other ways, including making no mention of how the DRS will monitor implementation of agreements, limiting Bank management to an observer role, and allowing parties to object to Dispute Resolution staff participation.
New Procedures at AfDB IRM
The AfDB recently completed a review of its accountability office, the IRM. The new procedures are promising for ensuring the accessibility and equitability of its complaint process. Some notable amendments include: the removal of barriers to filing complaints, such as complaints about human rights issues and complaints on issues that are also being handled in local courts; provisions to address threats of retaliation; and provisions to increase the fairness and equitability of the complaint process.
GCF IRM Complaint Disclosure Now Includes Unregistered Complaints
The GCF's IRM recently began publishing its pre-cases, or complaints that are unregistered and formerly unreported on its website. The IRM now discloses these complaints in its public activity reports as well as on its website.
The Global Reporting Initiative's Universal Standards Now Include Important Accountability Safeguards
GRI's Universal Standards now include crucial stakeholder engagement and grievance redress disclosures for institutions that seek to contribute to sustainable development.
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