Right to Appeal Accountability Mechanism: A Local Perspective Brussels, November 30, 2006 Noble Wazdah Friends of the Earth Ghana Milo Tanchuling Freedom from Debt Coalition, Philippines

Accountability: what does it mean? It is a social value where emphasis is placed on the need to be held accountable for one's action It is a structural function of local governance It is a social obligation and considered an integral part of social contract in term of relationship (individual, groups and community) It is a driver for functional local policies, institutions, and processes

The essence of accountability It protects community rights It is known as basic element of transparency It builds confidence among people It fosters coordination and cooperation at all levels

Some systems of accountability mechanisms Identification and consultation with legitimate stakeholders (individuals, groups, communities) Contextualizing Development targets into the local scenarios (language, culture, time, etc) Feedback mechanisms and tracking

The relevance of accountability to the IFIs (EIB) The EC and the World Bank constitute significantly to the development aid in sub sahara Africa The Bank interest in promoting good governance To ensure social stability and harmony particularly in resource rich areas noting that, poor accountability mechanisms and resource management has fuelled sustained conflicts in many part of the world (i.e. Niger Delta region, DRC, Guatemala) The core mission of IFIs in poverty reduction will be compromised unless real commitment to accountability are in place

Recommendations Respect and strengthen the existing local mechanisms Pre project review mechanism should be put in place and involve civil society and local community representatives Compliance mechanism should be in in place based on emergency response models Environmental and social compliace mechanisms be strenthened in a manner that ensures participation of non EU entities Right of access to information, decision making and to appeal Community rights to say "NO!"