Perspectives on Accountability at International Financial Institutions : Thirty Years After Creation of the World Bank Inspection Panel

This collection of essays provides diverse perspectives on the promise, challenges, effectiveness, and future of the World Bank Inspection Panel and similar independent accountability mechanisms (IAMs) found at many multilateral development banks, bilateral financial institutions, United Nations agencies. These IAMs provide local communities the opportunity to defend their human rights and protect their environment when threatened by internationally financed development decisions. Contributing their perspectives are current and past IAM members and staff, top World Bank lawyers, civil society advocates, and leading academics who have studied the mechanisms since their very beginning.

Daniel D. Bradlow is a Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria; Professor Emeritus, American University Washington College of Law; and Compliance Officer, Social and Environmental Compliance Unit of the United Nations Development Programme. He has published widely on accountability and international organizations.

David B. Hunter is a Professor Emeritus of international law at American University Washington College of Law. His research is focused on international accountability for environmental and social harm. He is co-author of International Environmental Law & Policy (5th ed.).

Nicholas Paul is an editor and writer with a background in business communications, journalism, and international development organizations. His work primarily focuses on business development, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.

Varsha Iyengar Ramaswamy is a human rights and sustainability lawyer specializing in dispute resolution and impact-based human rights litigation. She currently works on business and human rights issues. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Juridical Sciences at American University Washington College of Law.