The Inspection Panel investigates whether the Bank has compiled with its internal policies and the procedures designed to safeguard people and the environment. It also investigates whether any noncompliance has contributed, or may contribute in the future, to the harm described in the complainant.
Over the years, the Panel has addressed many different types of harm or potential harm to people or the environment in response to Requests for Inspection. Some cases have involved harm to people’s livelihoods or environmental degradation resulting from infrastructure projects. The Panel has also considered projects involving forced relocation (for example, due to the building of a dam, road, pipeline, landfill, or power plant); projects affecting the rights and interests of indigenous peoples (such as customary land rights, sites of cultural significance, or livelihoods); and projects affecting the environment, cultural sites, and natural habitats (for example, from air and water pollution, stress on water sources, adverse impact on wetlands, deforestation, or loss of biodiversity).
Panel cases have also addressed allegations of gender-based violence in projects and the right of affected communities to meaningful consultation and participation in the planning and implementation of projects, including their access to information.
The Panel’s mandate does not extend to issues relating to procurement of goods or services, corruption, or issues that the Panel has already addressed in previous case, unless new evidence or new circumstances are presented.
Meet the Inspection Panel Members and Compliance team
Read the Inspection Panel Advisory Report
