The World Bank Inspection Panel: In Practice

Six years ago, the World Bank created the Inspection Panel, an independent mechanism to respond to claims by those whom the Bank intends to help the most, inhabitants of developing countries, if they believe they are being adversely affected by projects funded by the Bank. A second review of the Panel’s experience became necessary when the focus of the Panel changed from concentration on the Bank’s compliance or non-compliance with its own policies to harm suffered or to be suffered by affected parties. This report covers the Panel’s investigations from its inception and opens a window onto the operations of the Bank.