Independent accountability mechanisms (IAMs) have a critical role in helping people resolve environmental and social conflicts that may have arisen in connection to development projects. In mid-May, the World Bank Accountability Mechanism’s Dispute Resolution Service (AM-DRS), in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI), hosted two capacity-building workshops in South America for civil society organizations (CSOs).
The first workshop (May 13-14) took place in Sao Paulo with 30 CSO representatives from across Brazil, followed by a workshop (May 16-17) in Montevideo, Uruguay, with 27 CSO representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The workshops, conducted in Portuguese and Spanish, respectively, form part of an ongoing series of regional workshops to explain the dispute resolution processes of the AM-DRS and MICI; discuss the roles of advisors and advocates in dispute resolution processes; provide information and tools for CSOs to support local community members; and exchange experiences and knowledge regarding good practices for CSOs, accountability mechanism staff, and mediators.
Key questions about how complaints can be filed with IAMs, what tools are available to resolve conflict, and how affected communities can be remedied were explored. The sessions were facilitated by Gastón Aín, Dispute Resolution Coordinator at MICI and Marcos Favero, Dispute Resolution Officer at the AM-DRS.
Early outreach crucial to raising awareness
Pre-event survey results indicated that 50 percent of participants were not familiar with the World Bank Accountability Mechanism’s two constituent parts, the Inspection Panel and the DRS, prior to the workshop. Following the workshop, post-event survey results indicated that 93 percent of participants would recommend that project-affected communities consider approaching such a mechanism when it is appropriate to do so.
CSO representatives also noted the value of IAMs as a last resort to address communities’ concerns, while highlighting the importance of consultation with local communities at the early stages of development project implementation. It was observed, for example, that environmental damage cannot be remedied or restored if it is too delayed.
Tools for a challenging environment
Access to grievance redress is often problematic for communities in South America. The workshops reached a diverse range of CSOs aiming to support communities in this regard. Marcos Favero explained, “They contribute to CSOs’ understanding and reflection about their possible roles while supporting communities in the IAM setting.” There is also a need for tools for conflict resolution. “CSOs have not necessarily mastered alternative dispute resolution tools and how effective they can be to create successful solutions to their communities,” Gastón Aín (MICI) added. “These trainings provide hands-on experience, aimed at leveling the playing field for communities and impacted persons supported by CSOs.”
The World Bank Accountability Mechanism plans to hold additional workshops focused on dispute resolution and other topics. If you are interested in partnering on future workshops, please email us at accountability@worldbank.org.
Learn more about the Dispute Resolution Service: here
Meet the Dispute Resolution Service team: here
