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President's Statement "ADB Accountability Mechanism Comes Into Effect"

In May 2003, ADB approved a new accountability mechanism to address concerns of persons affected by ADB-assisted projects. The ADB Accountability Mechanism consists of a consultation phase and a compliance review phase. The first phase is to assist project-affected people through informal, consensus-based methods such as consultative dialogue and mediation. The second is to provide a forum in which project-affected people can air complaints against ADB.

In October 2003, I appointed Mr. Nalin Samarasingha, as Special Project Facilitator, who is responsible for the consultation phase. He has already assumed office. On 12 December 2003, the Board of Directors appointed the full-time chair and part-time members to the Compliance Review Panel, which is responsible for the compliance review phase. The appointment of the panel members completes the establishment of the mechanism. Mr. Augustinus Rumansara, chair of the Compliance Review Panel, is expected to assume in February 2004 his initial full-time position for a minimum of one year.

I hereby declare the ADB Accountability Mechanism effective from 12 December 2003. I am confident that with support from all stakeholders, the mechanism will satisfy their demand that ADB address the complaints of project-affected people on the ground and establish a transparent process that will increase ADB's accountability. I am also confident that the mechanism, with support from all shareholders, will further enhance ADB's development effectiveness.

Tadao Chino
President
Asian Development Bank

Manila
15 December 2003