The World Bank Inspection Panel
(“the Panel”) is an independent
complaints mechanism for people
who believe they have been—
or will be—adversely affected by
the World Bank (the “Bank”) not
complying with its operational
environmental and social safeguard
policies in projects that it funds.
The Panel’s process seeks redress
for affected communities. It
investigates the Bank, not its
member or borrower1 countries. Although the Bank has a 2003 operational directive that seeks to narrow gender gaps and a gender
strategy that sets targets, assesses
progress toward gender equality, and
incorporates gender dimensions into its operations,2 the directive does not explicitly target harm3 such as gender-based violence (GBV). However, under the Directive for Addressing Risks and Impact on Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Groups—pursuant to the 2018 Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)—the Bank now has additional coverage, including a requirement that staff conduct due diligence on the risks to individuals and groups who might be adversely affected or excluded from project benefits due to gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity