Intake & Assessment
Any person who believes they may be harmed by an IFC and MIGA project can lodge a complaint to CAO. We apply three simple eligibility criteria to accept a complaint, and if eligible, conduct an assessment of the concerns with the complainant, project sponsor, and other relevant stakeholders.
Complaint Intake
Any individual or group who believes they are, or may be, harmed by a project may lodge a complaint with CAO. Complaints may relate to environmental and social harm regarding any aspect of the planning, implementation, or impact of a project.
How We Determine Eligibility
IFC or MIGA Project
The complaint relates to an active IFC or MIGA project.
Environmental & Social Issues
The issues raised in the complaint pertain to CAO’s mandate to address environmental and social project impacts.
Affected Person(s)
The Complainant is, or may be, affected by the harm raised in the complaint.
Assessment
Complaints may be made by those who believe they are affected, or potentially affected, by the environmental and social impacts of an IFC or MIGA project. This may include, but is not limited to, processes followed in the preparation of a project; the adequacy of measures to mitigate environmental and social impacts; arrangements for involvement of affected communities, minorities, and vulnerable groups; and the manner in which the project is implemented.
Through the assessment process, CAO aims to get a better understanding of the issues and understand whether the parties wish to address the complaint through a dispute resolution or compliance process. An assessment typically involves:
1. Reviews of IFC or MIGA project files;
2. Meetings with complainants and company;
3. Visits to project sites where possible;
4. Public meetingsand consultations.
CAO releases a report at the end of the assessment process, which is shared with the parties and released publicly. It includes:
OUTCOME OF THE ASSESSMENT:
Outcome of the assessment: The complainants and IFC/MIGA client decide to initiate a dispute resolution or compliance process.
Cases in Assessment
Advisory
General