Independent Accountability Mechanism of the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. (DFC)

?? DFC-IAM releases its FY24 Annual Activities Report This was a transformational year for DFC’s IAM: hiring a new Director, developing new Terms of Reference, ramping up outreach, recruiting a new team, and receiving the first set of eligible requests since DFC started operations in 2020. You can access the report here:?https://lnkd.in/gXS8CcRB and we look forward to your feedback. Chad Dear, Kate Kopischke, Mehrdad Nazari, Alex Perkins Independent Accountability Mechanisms network (IAMnet)

?? Eligible request registration: Rovuma LNG Project in Mozambique. The request alleges adverse impacts related to inadequate consultation, resettlement, and livelihood restoration.?Additional information can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/grrSsYED

Many thanks to MICI - We work with you to make development better for hosting and the many independendent accountability mechansisms for attending this important meeting in Washington DC. A special thanks for enabling the virtual participation for those of us who could not make it in person. ????

Last week, DFC-IAM co-hosted an event in Washington, DC, bringing together independent accountability mechanisms and civil society organization to explore how to improve our collaboration in dispute resolution processes. In addition to frank discussions, ranging from representation to advocacy stategies and confidentiality, the event also included an inspiring photo and video exhibit. Thanks to the Accountability Counsel, Arab Watch Coalition, Bank Information Center, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), EKO Dvogled, Inclusive Development International, and the regional and local CSOs who joined us online. The co-host included the Accountability Mechanism of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM) of the EBRD, the Project-Affected People's Mechanism (PPM) of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and Independent Accountability Mechanism of the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. (DFC). Special thanks to Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) for hosting all of us in DC, and Kate Kopischke for representing our team in the planning group and facilitating one of the sessions. It was great to see all DFC-IAM team members attending, including Alex Perkins who attended virtually and is not depicted. Chad Dear Mehrdad Nazari

Chad Dear, DFC-IAM’s Program Manger, offered these three learnings from the recent Independent Accountability Mechanisms network (IAMnet) meeting in Manila co-hosted by the Accountability Mechanism of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Independent Redress Mechanism, Green Climate Fund: 1. There are many options for remedy beyond direct monetary compensation. IAMs are constructively engaging their parent development finance institutions on how to facilitate access to various forms of remedy. 2. IAMs can benefit from coordinating on complaints submitted to multiple mechanisms. Coordination can improve efficiency, enhance learning, and avoid confusion amomg affected people. Coordination also requires flexibility. 3. CSOs are collaborative and critical partners for DFI accountability. Accountability Counsel’s Stephanie Amoako chaired a day-long session, including frank and productive dialogue on ongoing IAM policy reviews, retaliation management, and the promise and limitations of outcomes of IAM processes. Chad notes that he also enjoyed traveling with IAM Director Mehrdad Nazari and DFC Inspector General Anthony Zakel.

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's IAM co-hosted and attended the "Together for Conflict Resolution!" event, which was held at the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) in Washington DC. Our team members, Kate Kopischke, Chad Dear, and Mehrdad Nazari, were able to attend in person, while Alex Perkins joined virtually. - Many thanks to the planning group (including Kate!) for a great workshop program and all participants for the rich sharing and learning opportunities.

?? Bridge International Academies update: the IAM completed an appraisal report related to a Request submitted on behalf of former pupils of the Bridge International Academies (BIA) in Kenya alleging child sexual abuse. The IAM concludes that an investigation into OPIC’s and, its successor, DFC’s compliance with their environmental and social requirements is warranted. The IAM will merge the Request by the former pupils with the on-going compliance review requested by DFC’s CEO in March 2024. The case details and the appraisal report are available here: https://lnkd.in/d4zBKzTt

Important opportunity for exchanges, reflections, and learning during the annual meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms network (IAMnet) as the DFC-IAM is finalizing its new Terms of Reference.

Anthony Zakel, DFI’s Inspector General (center), and Chad Dear (right) and Mehrdad Nazari (left), the Independent Accountability Mechanism of the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. (DFC), are attending the annual meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms network (IAMnet) held in Manila. This year, the gathering is co-hosted by the independent accountability mechanisms of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Independent Redress Mechanism, Green Climate Fund. An important highlight will be a day dedicated to CSO outreach. - DFC’s IAM is one of over 20 members of the IAMnet, which is a partnership linked to development finance institutions around the world. Key themes being discussed range from on-going policy reviews at the independent accountability mechanisms of numerous DFIs (including DFC-IAM) and how to consider their role of facilitating access to remedy. Thanks to all participants for the rich discussions and exchange of ideas.

Many thanks to Anthony Zakel and his team (some in-person/pictured, others joined online) at the OIG, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for the warm welcome of the new IAM team. The IAM continues to benefit from OIG’s capacity, support, and modelling of what “independent” looks like. We look forward to creative collaboration with the OIG in the future. Felicia Hawkins, Kate Kopischke, Chad Dear, Alex Perkins, Mehrdad Nazari