ADB approved its new Accountability Mechanism (AM) policy which the Bank claims has improved its complaints procedures

http://www.adb.org/news/adb-improves-complaints-procedures  "so that people adversely affected by its projects can seek more effective remedy to their complaints."  The approval follows nearly two years of review and consultations where PSI submitted comments as well as participated in some consultations: "Among the newly approved measures is direct access to compliance reviews for people adversely affected by projects, as well as the creation of a complaint receiving officer position to serve as a single entry point for the receipt of all complaints. Steps to enhance the independence of the compliance review panel and a clearer and longer cut-off date for filing complaints have also been introduced. Other improvements to the Accountability Mechanism include stepped-up tracking and monitoring of complaints, increased outreach activities with stakeholders, and a partnership approach to reduce impediments to project site visits."  (see: http://www.adb.org/news/adb-improves-complaints-procedures  PSI earlier recommended that the AM be simplified, and apparently ADB has heeded this concern in the new AM policy.  PSI also suggested that the cut-off period for filing complaints be extended beyond the issuance of a Project Completion Report (PCR) -- based on experience of many affected PSI unions, much of the harm or adverse effects of ADB-financed programs/projects occur long after ADB's project has been completed, as in the case of restructuring  programs. The new AM policy, defines the cut off date for filing complaints as two years after loan/grant closing date, which is similar to Project Completion Report (PCR) (see PSI's comments at: http://www2.adb.org/AM-Review/comments.asp)

 For a copy of the new AM policy, see: http://www2.adb.org/AM-Review/r-paper.asp

Advice Bobet Corral  bobet_perez@yahoo.com