Conflict Resolution Commissioner

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Anticorruption and Integrity
  • Report Fraud or Corruption

African Development Bank (AfDB)

• Integrity and Anti-Corruption
  • Complaint Form
    • Anti-Corruption and Fraud Investigation services: Contacts

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

• Integrity and compliance
  • Investigating fraud, corruption and misconduct

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

• The Office of the Inspector General – Investigations
• Investigations Hotline

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

• Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism
• How to file a complaint

International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)

• Accountability and complaints procedures

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• How to report wrongdoing
• Accountability / Investigations
• Social and Environmental Compliance Review and Stakeholder Response Mechanism

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• UNEP Complaints Hotline
• Reporting wrongdoing

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

• For reporting misconduct
• For reporting environmental and social concerns

The World Bank Group (WBG)

• The Inspection Panel (for IBRD/IDA)
• Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) - independent recourse mechanism for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
• Integrity Vice Presidency

Conservation International (CI)

• Accountability and Grievance Mechanism

Development Bank of Latin America (CAF)

• Transparency Committee

Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

• Independent Grievance Redress Mechanism
• Fraud reporting
• Project Grievance Procedure

Foreign Economic Cooperation Office, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China (FECO)

• Accountability and Grievance Mechanism

Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO)

• Ethics Committee
• Policy for Grievances

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

• Environmental and Social Management System Grievance Mechanism

West African Development Bank (BOAD)

• Grievance Service

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

• Investigating Fraud and Misconduct

Project: Integrated and Transboundary Conservation of Biodiversity in the Basins of the Republic of Congo (GEF ID 9159), part of the Global Wildlife Program, implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: August 2, 2018

Summary of allegations: Survival International, a UK-based NGO, filed a complaint with the Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) of UNDP on behalf of six indigenous communities in the Sangha region in the north of the Republic of Congo. The indigenous Baka alleged that their access to the area, which is their traditional homeland and is essential to their livelihoods, has been severely restricted. They also claimed there was no proper consultation process including free, prior and informed consent, that the project would unlawfully evict Baka communities, and expressed human rights concerns. The Baka also alleged that eco-guards subject them to beatings and arrests. Further details are available on the SECU registry.

Date case put under formal review: October 24, 2018

Status and findings: The SECU report was completed June 2020 (final SECU report). It found that:

1. UNDP’s over-arching commitment to human rights was not adhered to with respect to the rights of indigenous peoples. Investigation obtained credible testimony during the fieldwork in February 2019 not only from representatives of the indigenous (Baka) communities, but also from government and non-governmental sources, that armed eco-guards engage in violence and threats of violence against the indigenous Baka people in the Messok Dja area. The eco-guards are employed by the Government of the Republic of Congo’s MEFDDE (UNDP’s implementing partner).
2. The Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) failed to identify critical project risks; as a result, Social and Environmental Standards (SES) were not implemented
3. No evidence that a due diligence review had taken place of partnerships with the private sector. UNDP’s Policy on Due Diligence and Partnerships with the Private Sector identifies industrial logging and palm oil as high-risk sectors requiring a due diligence review)

Management actions: The project was suspended on March 11, 2019. The UNDP Administrator took his Decision in November 2020 in response to the SECU report,  available here.  As described in more detail in the Decision, in follow-up to the SECU Report and other considerations, including the exceptional circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNDP Administrator decided to close the project and consider options for a new phase of work to support community-based conservation and livelihoods with indigenous peoples. In April 2021, the UNDP Administrator responded to SI’s request for an update on progress. The project was financially closed in January 2023 and the remaining project funds returned to the GEF.  Case completed.

Project: Integrated and Transboundary Conservation of Biodiversity in the Basins of the Republic of Cameroon (GEF ID 9155), implemented by UNDP

Date on which complaint was received: August 2, 2018

Summary of allegations: Survival International, a UK-based NGO, filed a complaint with the Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) of UNDP and asserted that TRIDOM II will support the continued eviction and displacement of Baka and Bantu communities – eviction and displacement that began, they state, when the Nki National Park (herein Nki) was created in 2005, and that continued through TRIDOM I.

Because the Baka rely mostly on traditional hunting and gathering activities for their livelihoods and wellbeing, their exclusion from the area is deeply affecting their way of life and survival. Eviction and displacement have occurred (and are occurring), they assert, through measures that function to restrict community access to areas – including areas both within and adjacent to Nki - and to natural resources traditionally accessed by these communities within these areas.

The complaint indicates that one such key measure is the use of wildlife guards who are preventing community members from pursuing their traditional hunting and resource gathering within these areas. This and similar measures, they argue, fail to recognize the communities’ rights to access these areas and resources. The complaint implies that TRIDOM II will be advancing the same measures, with the same results for communities. Further details are available on the SECU registry.

Date case was put under formal review: October 24, 2018

Status of the case: The SECU report was completed in August 2020 (final SECU report). It found that:

1. UNDP did not screen project activities in TRIDOM II in a manner consistent with SES requirements.  As indicated in the SECU report, the project did not accurately identify all communities that might be impacted, and how they might be impacted.  Experts documented that hunter-gatherer communities, including those with villages in Zoulabot Ancien, have (i) traditionally relied on access to Nki, a protected area determined to be part of the scope of the project, for natural resources; (ii) been significantly adversely impacted by access restrictions advanced by national law and policy; and (iii) have been subjected to violence as a means of enforcing such restrictions.  UNDP Cameroon confirmed that eco-guards can be a source of problems and some use their power to intimidate communities, but measures were taken to reverse the situation.
2. The project document did not include (or reference) a required ‘management plan’ to address risks for indigenous peoples identified during the screening and assessment process.  The SECU report noted that while an MOU related to the project acknowledged the need to respect the rights of the Baka and the importance of Baka access to resources, it does not include a description of these rights or areas to which communities have access.  The MOU indicated that such details would be included in an action plan, but this had not yet been developed – and the MOU did not clearly have the consent of all parties.
3. The project document did not describe a project-level grievance mechanism that meets SES policy requirements.
4. In September 2022, SECU released an Interim Monitoring Report and SECU will  continue to monitor.

Management actions: The project was suspended on March 26, 2019. UNDP responded to GEF Council member comments to the draft SECU report in June 2020. UNDP Administrator took his Decision in February 2021 in response to the SECU Report.  The Decision  is available here. As described in more detail in the Decision, in follow-up to the SECU Report and other considerations, the UNDP Administrator decided to reformulate this project for resubmission to the GEF Council for approval.  The Decision indicates that the reformulated project will address the findings and recommendations of the SECU report in full.  Reformulation of the project continues and is expected to conclude by the end of 2023.   

Project: Ridge to Reef: Integrated Protected Area Land and Seascape Management in Tanintharyi (GEF ID 6992), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: September 20, 2018

Summary of allegations: The civil society organization ‘Conservation Alliance Tanawthari (CAT) filed the complaint on behalf of indigenous communities in the Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar. The complaint advances several claims, including the following: (1) In the development and inception phases of the project, UNDP is violating complainants’ right to free, prior, informed consent (FPIC); (2) the project violates the rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to return to areas from which they were displaced by armed conflict; (3) the project threatens to contravene the ‘interim arrangements’ of the National Ceasefire Accords agreed by the Government of Myanmar and Ethnic Armed Organizations; (4) the project violates the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (herein ‘UNDRIP’) and the land and resource rights of the indigenous Karen Communities in the Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar; and (5) the project fails to recognize and support indigenous community-driven initiatives to protect indigenous territories, strengthen local institutions and practices, and protect forests and resources in the project area. Further details are available on the SECU registry.

Date case put under formal review: December 13, 2018

Status of the case: Ongoing. Second field mission due to be undertaken end February 2020 was postponed due to coronavirus travel restrictions. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its inability to conduct its second field mission in 2020, SECU modified its approach to split the case into two stages and a two-part report; stage one was to focus on geography the SECU team visited during its first field mission. Stage two was to focus on geography to be visited during a second field mission. The stage one draft report’s release for public comment was delayed due to the violence and political situation in Myanmar that emerged in February 2021. SECU continues to monitor the situation in Myanmar to determine when it can proceed with a public comment process on the stage one draft report, and when it can return for its second field mission to complete stage two.

Management actions: Project was suspended on December 26, 2018, and remains suspended. Further details available here. SECU regularly monitors the situation on the ground to determine if and when a field mission will be possible.

Project: Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC) Ukraine, implemented by EBRD.

• Introduction: This is an EBRD project/loan that has benefited from a GEF incentive grant under the EBRD GEF funded FINTECC program. The total project cost is €27 million, consisting of a €25 million EBRD loan and also includes a $409,000 FINTECC result-based performance grant funded by the GEF. The complaint has been processed and remediation actions are underway. The complaint does not relate to the GEF-funded portion of the project.
• The Project: EBRD has provided a senior loan of €25 million to “PJSC Myronivsky Hliboproduct” (MHP), a Ukrainian producer of poultry meat, grain, and animal feed. The loan will be used to construct and put into operation a 10MW biogas plant in the Vinnitsa region of Ukraine. The biogas plant will utilize chicken manure and other agricultural residues from poultry and grain operations. By financing this project, the EBRD is helping MHP implement its long-term strategy to develop “green energy” capacity, become self-sufficient energy-wise, reduce its environmental footprint, and manage waste.
• The GEF Component: (i) GEF Funding: MHP Biogas received a $409,000 grant under the GEF Funded FINTECC Project; (ii) Use of GEF Proceeds: Support MHP Group's strategy to improve the energy efficiency and environmental footprint of its operations, by supporting improvements in the technology for biogas production and the implementation of an energy management system. Please see the project summary document.

Date complaint was received: The complaint was received by the EBRD’s Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM) on June 5, 2018 and it was registered and published on the PCM Register on June 21, 2018 in English and Ukrainian. The Complaint can also be found in annex.

Summary of allegations: In the Complaint, the Complainants (community members from Olyanytsya, Zaozerne, and Kleban villages in Vinnitsa Region of Ukraine with the help of CEE Bankwatch, Accountability Counsel, and Eco Action) raised environmental and social concerns as well as concerns about limited access to information in relation to the operations of MHP and the EBRD investments. Complainants requested a Problem-solving Initiative be undertaken by the PCM and if not successful, a Compliance Review.  

A similar Complaint was submitted to the International Finance Corporation’s Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO). In order to avoid duplication of efforts, the Parties agreed for a co-facilitated process by PCM and CAO (the facilitation team). 

Date case put under formal review: The case was registered on 21 June 2018 as Complaint 2018/09, according to the PCM Rules of Procedure (para 11-13).

Status and findings: On June 29, 2018, a PCM Expert was appointed to conduct the Eligibility Assessment jointly with the PCM Officer and his assignment started from July 9, 2018. The Eligibility Assessment Report was completed and shared with all parties on September 25, 2018 and disclosed on the PCM Registry. Please see the following links for the Eligibility Assessment Report in English and Ukrainian. The Complainants and MHP (the Parties) agreed to discuss the issues raised in the complaint through a voluntary and constructive mediation process facilitated by the PCM jointly with the CAO. On October 1, 2018, the EBRD President's Decision to accept the recommendation to start the Problem-solving Initiative was publicly released and posted.

The Problem-Solving process was conducted until August 2021. Overall, the Parties held 23 joint meetings with the support of the facilitation team, who also organised several bilateral meetings over the course of three years.

Outcomes: A safe space for dialogue was created for the Client and the Requesters to discuss the community concerns and expectations. During the process, Requesters and their Advisers received information on the status of the two MHP Projects, the potential environmental impacts and MHP’s established mitigation measures.

Parties managed to achieve partial understanding on certain matters of joint concern, such as: road traffic, communication protocol, use of pesticides, land lease, and others. The Parties’ capacity to engage effectively in the dialogue process and communicate constructively was straight.

Joint Statements: Within the process, the facilitation team assisted the Parties in the drafting and disclosure of two joint statements to communicate progress. In January 2020, the Parties issued a first first Joint Statement summarizing the process progress to that date and interim outcomes. In May 2021, Parties issued a second Joint Statement disclosing other results obtained during the process. The statements were disclosed in the public registries of PCM and CAO and through the local media.

Problem Solving termination: In August 2021 it became evident to the Parties that the Problem-Solving Initiative could not assist further in the trust building, so they informed the facilitation team of their decision to withdraw from the initiative as they considered that no further progress could be made within that dialogue space.

As a result of this decision, the process was terminated as per Paragraph 2.4 c) ii of the Project Accountability Policy^[1]. IPAM has prepared a Problem Solving Report in consultation with Parties which provides a high-level summary of the process as the Parties had requested for the process and its outcomes to be confidential. Problem-solving initiative completed.

After the termination of the Problem Solving, in November 2021 the EBRD Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM) issued the Problem Solving Summary describing the outcomes of the Problem Solving and the pending concerns. IPAM then transferred the Case to the Compliance function to determine if the Case is eligible for Compliance Review.

In October 2022, the Case was found eligible for Compliance Review and IPAM issued the Compliance Assessment Report. The Compliance Review process for the Case has been ongoing since October 2022, and IPAM is currently at the stage of preparing the consultative draft of their Report for the Parties of the Case. Additional information can be found in the Web Case Summary in the IPAM Registry here.

Project concerned: The GEF-funded project is ID 8005 for the Infrastructure and Rural Finance Support Programme (IRFSP) in Armenia, co-financed by IFAD, another IFI and the GEF (IFAD notes that the allegations in this grievance case are not related to GEF funded components of the project).

Date complaint received: The complaint was received by IFAD on September 3, 2018. On January 17, 2019, IFAD began a process to determine whether the allegation was eligible for consideration.

Summary of allegations: The complaint was made by an NGO in Armenia, on behalf of a village. The allegations are related to the investment component 2 (Rural Areas Water Infrastructure) of the project, funded by another IFI as co-financier with the Government of Armenia. The complaint is related to water infrastructure investments in a village which, the claim states, is contributing to water scarcity for a community in a neighboring village.

Date case put under formal review: Although this complaint was not related to activities financed by IFAD, at the request of the co-financier, a fact-finding mission was undertaken between June 16-29, 2019 under IFAD’s Social Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures and based on IFAD’s Complaints Procedure. Following that mission, IFAD invited the Government of Armenia and the co-financier to verify further the facts and, as appropriate, to identify potential actions to address the issue, as in our view the complaint warrants further detailed investigation.

Status and findings: Subsequently, an investigation was carried out by the Republic of Armenia Human Rights Defender Office. This investigation followed the earlier fact-finding mission under IFAD’s Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures. The investigation concluded that proper procedures and permitting had been followed, and there was no evidence of any social or environmental effects due to the water supply investments of the project. The Office terminated its consideration of the complaint on May 11, 2020 and communicated its decision to the complainants.

Management actions: No suspensions or other significant management actions have been undertaken and are not deemed necessary at this time. Case completed.

Project: Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Management of the Coastal Zone in the Republic of Mauritius (GEF ID 5514), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: March 23, 2019

Summary of allegations: The complaint was filed by Aret Kokin Nu Laplaz (AKNL), an NGO coalition located in Mauritius asserting that UNDP's work in the country to protect Environmental Sensitive Areas is tantamount to “greenwashing” in light of the permits being issued by the government for construction projects along the country's coast. According to the complaint, the GEF and UNDP were grossly negligent in continuously channeling funding to the government despite “...a number of critical GEF-funded projects ending up in Government drawers, or coffers rather, with very little effective results.”

The complaint further alleges that in 2007- 2009 GEF and UNEP funded a complete inventory of all ESAs, as well as the drafting of an Act that would have ensured solid legal protection for all ESA, but the draft ESA Act was never presented to Parliament, nor was the national ESA inventory made public. According to the complaint, ten years down the road, “the results are catastrophic: the ESA protection system, which was to be fully integrated in the procedures for development clearances, has become purely cosmetic as development licenses and permits are issued with scant regard for ESAs.” Further details are available on the SECU registry.

Note: this case has been considered under two different parts of the UNDP grievance response system:  the Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) and the Stakeholder Review Mechanism (SRM).

Date SECU case put under formal review: June 7, 2019     

Status of the SECU case: The final SECU report is completed and submitted to the UNDP Administrator (October 30, 2020).  The SECU report confirmed that UNDP understood and complied with the SES, ensuring effective stakeholder participation through extended and wide-ranging consultations, while highlighting the need to achieve the widest engagement possible.  Nevertheless, the report found shortcomings in meeting conservation goals of the project, and a failure to sufficiently factor in surrounding environmental risks, and that there are opportunities to do more to support the vision for conservation and effective management of fragile coastal zones in the Republic of Mauritius, and to ensure that the project remains relevant and in compliance with the UNDP SES.

Specifically, the Report recommends that before its completion, the project should raise its level of ambition by supporting the Government to adopt legislation for biodiversity protection in Mauritius. It also recommends upgrading the project’s risk framework to reflect new challenges to activities, including the delayed passage of legislation for biodiversity protection, weak coordination across public and private sectors, and the potential impacts on the project of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Management actions:  The UNDP Administrator Decision in response to the final SECU Report was issued in March 2021. (available here).  In follow-up to the SECU report, as set out in more detail in the Decision, the UNDP Administrator decided to: provide technical assistance to the Government, where requested, toward the adoption of proposed legislation to protect Environmentally Sensitive Areas; revisit the project risk framework and identify preemptive measures to avert project failure; strengthen stakeholder engagement; and assure effective implementation.

The project completion date was extended to allow for these actions to be undertaken and is now scheduled to close by December 2022. The UNDP Administrator responded to several queries from AKNL, most recently in April 2021.

Date SRM case accepted: 12 April 2019

Status of SRM case: Closed without resolution with agreement of the complainant on 6 April 2020. Further details available here. Case completed.

Project: This case relates to ADB project loan Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Sector Project (INREMP) in the Philippines, associated with GEF ID 3980, implemented by the Asian Development Bank.

Date complaint received: In June 2019 a petition from local community members was submitted to the Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to immediately stop the on-going implementation of Reforestation and Agro projects under the INREMP under BAAGMADOLI WMU awarded to Dagupan Women’s Organization. 

Date case put under formal review; Status and findings: Over the following months, a series of consultations was facilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Local Government Unit (LGU) to address and settle the issues. These included the standing and role of clan owner of the land, possible relocation of already implemented subprojects, and the purpose and intention of the conducted survey and mapping. DENR Staff and Project Officers (POs) agreed to raise the issue to the Watershed Management Council. Based on the consultative stakeholder process, the issue was resolved in July 2020 by relocating the Reforestation and Agroforestry site to another area within the same municipality.

The project areas of INREMP are mostly within ancestral domains of various tribes especially in the Chico River Basin (project site), where traditional and cultural practices still exist. Conflict resolution of the grievance response mechanism is mainly being done using these traditional practices wherein the Council of Elders are the jury and judge in any disputes or conflicts and even crimes and domestic issues. In areas outside ancestral domains, the Barangay is the local government unit, in-charge or handling conflicts and grievances. For the project-related case, conflicts are being handled at the Council of Elders and Barangay Levels with the participation of other government agencies as needed.

For this case, no complaints were brought to the attention of ADB’s Accountability Mechanism as these were all resolved through the project’s own grievances redress mechanism. All grievances filed were reported and monitored through the project’s Social and Environmental monitoring reports. ADB’s grievance mechanism was publicly disclosed to all project beneficiaries. Case completed.

Project: Zambia Lake Tanganyika Basin Sustainable Development Project, GEF ID 8021, implemented by the African Development Bank.

Date complaint received: On June 16, 2020 a claim was received seeking court redress to suspend works on the site as it is used for traditional rites and as such has to remain as open land. AfDB’s country office undertook a supervision mission on June 25, 2020, which noted some lapses on E&S compliance in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment which should have been posted on the Bank website and approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) before the civil works contract was signed. 

On July 23, 2020, the Senior Chief of the Royal Lungu Chiefdom sent a complaint letter to the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, attaching an Affidavit in Support of Ex-parte Summons for an Order of Interim Injunction restraining  the Executing Agency from taking possession of, constructing on or in any way whatsoever dealing with the property known as Subdivision A of Stand 606 Mpulungu or any other portion of Stand 606 Mpulungu in the Northern Province of the Republic of Zambia.

Summary of allegations: This case involves a land dispute raised by the Royal Lungu Chiefdom in Mpulungu District (Zambia) regarding the siting and construction of a Jetty, Landing Site and Fish Market in the same district. These are activities in project components financed through the AfDB loan (not GEF grant). As noted above, the claim is that the site involved is used for traditional rites and as such has to remain as open land.

Date case put under formal review: see above

Status and findings; Management actions: Based on the supervision mission findings, a management letter informed the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Executing Agency) that civil works on the affected sites have been suspended. The same letter stressed that AfDB may suspend disbursement to the whole project if all environmental and social non compliances are not satisfactorily addressed before the end of the year 2020. Finally, AfDB management would lift the suspension when the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection would take the necessary actions (alternative appropriate ceremony sites are allocated by the Government and accepted by the affected people) to resolve the case.

Project: This case relates to ADB project loan Tonga Outer Island Renewable Energy Project, which is associated to GEF ID 9355, implemented by the Asian Development Bank.

Date complaint received: During training sessions in May 2020.

Summary of allegations: During training sessions in May 2020, members of four local communities complained at the project level, that they were not consulted properly with the idea of removing the old generators from the powerhouse and putting the new OIREP generator inside. These still-working generators were brought by the community themselves with their own hard-earned money and they did not want to see all their efforts go to waste. It has been requested by all communities if the project could help out and build a new small shed to shelter their old generators so when they switch from the old system to the new system built by OIREP, they still have these generators for back up and stand by.

Date case put under formal review; Status and findings: The complaints have been reported to the Project Steering Committee, which has requested funding from ADB to resolve the issues. The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) has housed the old gen-sets in temporary shelters, while more permanent measures are being considered, in consultation with communities, through the project. The situation is now resolved as of end 2020.

For this case, no complaints were brought to the attention of ADB’s Accountability Mechanism as these were all resolved through the project’s own grievances redress mechanism. All grievances filed were reported and monitored through the project’s Social and Environmental monitoring reports.  ADB’s grievance mechanism was publicly disclosed to all project beneficiaries. Case completed.

Project:  Tuvalu - Outer Island Maritime Infrastructure Project (ADB)

Date complaint received: October 2020 - issues and concerns raised during visit of project grievance response mechanism.

Summary of concerns/allegations:  Local community raised concerns about the strength and resilience of a “flex mat” being put on the beach to prevent erosion (see photo below); they raised doubts as to whether it could serve its purpose in times of strong winds based on their past experience, and questions as to why it was not laid in a concrete foundation. 

Status, Agency response:  A discussion was held between the community and Project Management Unit. The Safeguards officer explained that the mat is designed to flex with the beach, thus not laid in the cement foundation, and the issue was resolved. The issue was resolved.  Since this is a pilot site this is continued to be monitored.  The matter was resolved through the project-level grievance mechanism (no claim was filed with the ADB mechanism). Case completed.

Project: West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project, Togo (GEF ID 9906), implemented by the World Bank.

Date complaint received: August 4, 2021

Summary of allegations: The Requesters raise five areas of concern. First, they claim that they are under threat of eviction because of the project. Second, they are concerned that because of the project activities, a smaller area of the beach remains for the fishing communities to use for their activities, which has an impact on their livelihood and on the livelihood of the community overall. Third, they are also concerned about the planned involuntary resettlement and the valuation, compensation, and relocation sites related to this process. Fourth, they claim that project-affected peoples have not received adequate and timely project information and have not been meaningfully consulted about project activities. Fifth, they claim that alternatives to the physical aspects of the project were not fully analyzed.

Date case put under formal review:  The Inspection Panel registered the Request for Inspection on September 7, 2021. Bank management submitted its response to the Request on October 7, 2021, and provided an update on its actions on April 19, 2022. Following an initial report and recommendation dated November 8, 2021, in which the Inspection Panel recommended deferring its recommendation on whether to investigate the project for six months, a Panel team visited Togo in May 2022 and met with requesters, government officials and project authorities to review and reassess the remedial actions committed to by Bank management and recommend to the Board whether an investigation was warranted. Based on its field observations, analysis of available documents, and discussions with various stakeholders, the Panel had remaining concerns about the Bank’s compliance with the following policies: Environmental Assessment, OP/BP 4.01, Involuntary Resettlement, OP/BP 4.12, and Investment Project Financing, OP/BP 10.00. Hence, the Panel recommended carrying out an investigation. The Board approved the Panel’s recommendation on June 23, 2022.

As per the Inspection Panel and the Accountability Mechanism resolutions, the Accountability Mechanism Secretary (AMS) offered dispute resolution to the parties (Requesters and Borrower). On August 8, 2022, the AMS reported that no agreement had been reached to pursue dispute resolution. The Panel then commenced its Investigation. The Panel disclosed its investigation plan on September 15, 2022.

Status: On April 20, 2023, the Inspection Panel submitted its Investigation Report and, on April 24 to 26, shared its findings with and explained them to the Requesters so they could participate more effectively in the Management-led consultations on its proposed remedial actions.  

The Panel’s investigation deals with concerns of the artisanal fishing communities impacted by the Project, where it found the Project’s insufficient understanding of artisanal fishing, its value chain and its specificities in particular beach seine fishing and the different demographics reliant on it meant that the Project could not identify the full nature of the impact, and therefore did not have appropriate mitigation measures to address these impacts on the different groups. Furthermore, the Panel found that the Bank’s classification of the Emergency Works as Category C meant that essentially no social and environmental impact assessment was conducted, beyond the initial screening document, which in turn meant inadequate identification of impact and therefore lack of mitigation measures.

The Panel found that the Project did take steps to minimize resettlement by reducing its footprint. However, it also found that Management did not ensure that the Project had in place sufficient support to assist Project Affected Persons to improve their livelihoods and standards of living, or at least restore them. 

In its response, Management indicated that it agreed with the Government of Togo and consulted with the affected communities on an Action Plan. The Action Plan details how the Bank will work together with the Government of Togo and the communities to address the Panel’s findings. The Government of Togo has confirmed its commitment to implement the Action Plan while the World Bank will support and monitor its implementation. Management committed to submit annual progress reports on the implementation of the Action Plan.  

Further information about and documentation related to the case is available in English and French on the Inspection Panel website at https://www.inspectionpanel.org/panel-cases/western-africa-west-africa-coastal-areas-resilience-investment-project-p162337. Case completed.

Project: The complaint was triggered by the communities’ belief that a UNDP supported project known as The Private Sector and Agenda 2030, which is not funded by GEF, conflicts with another project known as the Sustainable Amazon for Peace Project (GEF ID 9663), which is funded by GEF.

Date complaint received: May 11, 2021

Summary of allegations:  A key concern of the communities is that UNDP’s support for the Private Sector and Agenda 2030 non-GEF project will be harmful and not consistent with the needs of the Sustainable Amazon for Peace Project funded by GEF, and through which communities would be providing sensitive information.  The complaint further alleges that the Private Sector non-GEF project poses threats to the rights of communities, compromises the trust communities had in UNDP Colombia, and otherwise violates UNDP’s social and environmental standards. UNDP reports that the Siona communities were beneficiaries of the GEF-funded Sustainable Amazon for Peace Project and have since declined to participate further in this project.   

Date case put under formal review; Status:  September 7, 2021.  As indicated in SECU’s eligibility report (eligible), the complaint is eligible for a social and environmental compliance review.  SECU has opened an investigation into the non-GEF Private Sector Project, which “will focus on how the two projects intersect, identify possible non-compliance with SES, and recommend a way forward as a means of rebuilding trust with indigenous communities in the Putumayo Department of Colombia.”

Project:  BIO Clima: Integrated climate action to reduce deforestation and strengthen resilience in BOSAWÁS and Rio San Juan Biospheres, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and co-financed by GEF through FAO. [1]

Date complaint received: June 30, 2021 - submitted to Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) of the GCF (no complaint has been received by FAO)

Summary of allegations:  the complaint is by an afro descendent indigenous community located in the BOSAWÁS Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua.  The complaint welcomes the project objectives but alleges that it will harm the communities because prior to approval there were no proper consultations with communities including no Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). It also expresses a fear that the project will repeat history, including leading to environmental degradation and attacks by non-indigenous settlers against indigenous communities, resulting in the continuing usurpation of traditional and ancestral lands.

Date case put under formal review: Under the procedures of the GCF IRM, the complaint has been declared eligible for further processing on July 21, 2021.  The Eligibility report can be found here and the project proposal presented to the GFC Board can be found here

Status and findings: Additional information on the investigation, findings and outcomes of the GCF IRM relating to this case is here.  Case completed.

Project:  Lakes Edward and Albert Integrated Fisheries and Water Resources Management Project (LEAF II) (Uganda-DRC), implemented by the African Development Bank (AfDB)

Date complaint received:  September 14, 2021

Summary of allegations:  The complaint is from a local civil society organization – human rights group working with indigenous fisherfolk.  A main concern set out in the complaint relates to alleged militarization and use of force to monitor and enforce the project.  According to the complaint, this has resulted in heavy-handed attacks on fisherfolk (including shootings to death), arrest of over 80 people and harassment of community members for trying to assert their right to fishing and questioning the heavy-handed enforcement of the project.

Date put under formal review; Status:  October 2021. AfDB was in touch with the complainants and has initiated an investigation in response to the complaint.  Departments included in the investigation involve the Safeguards & Compliance Department (SNSC), the Agriculture & Agro-industry Department (AHAI), East & South Directorates General (RDGE & RDGS), the Uganda Country Office, and the GEF coordination unit. 

Upon receipt of the complaint, AfDB requested the Executing Agency to review the source and nature of the complaint and make field verifications of the allegations. Accordingly, the government team made an in-depth assessment of the allegations and noted that the complaints are general in nature and not site specific and in some instances are direct extract of issues from the appraisal report as identified during the appraisal mission. The AfDB staff did not participate in the field verification mission since it did not get security clearance.

The AfDB Country Manager in Uganda convened an internal meeting on 26 October 2021 among concerned staff members of the Bank to discuss the allegations that could affect the achievements made by the project. The meeting was attended by the AfDB’s GEF Unit, a Civil Society Engagement Officer, the Uganda Country Programme Officer, an Agriculture Expert, and the Task Manager of the project. The meeting discussed the stated allegations and provided guidance on the preparation of the report to be submitted to the Senior Management of the Bank.

It was also recommended to request the AfDB’s Independent Recourse Mechanism to carry out an independent investigation to establish facts in the petition against the LEAF II project. Results of the Independent Recourse Mechanism investigation will be shared with the complainant CSO.  The investigation is ongoing, and the report is expected in a near future.

Project:  Strengthening Resilience of Water Supply in Honiara (GEF ID 10746), implemented by ADB.

Date of complaints and summary of case (project-level grievance mechanism):  Two grievances were registered during the ADB reporting period July 2022 – March 2023.

The first was raised during vegetation clearance for the Kongulai WTP.  Some of the trees that were felled at the western end of the construction site, landed over the boundary and damaged seven betel nut trees belonging to 2 community members. This required the contractor to compensate the owners based on rates that SW provided to REAN, who met with the owners. They accepted the payment and considered the issue resolved. This event which took place on 3rd March 2023 was witnessed by other residents and customary owners of Kongulai.

The second was received by Pacific Engineering Projects Limited (PEP), the contractor for the TrunkMains, and was resolved immediately. The grievance was raised by a shop owner regarding a boundary location. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) was able to clarify to the shop owner that the area in question is within the road reserve and therefore gave the clearance for the pipeline route to be installed in that location. The shop owner was also happy with the explanation. Note this grievance is under the baseline UWSSSP project but is not financed by GEF/LCDF.

Projects:  Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program – Coral Triangle Initiative (COREMAP-CTI) (GEF ID 5171), implemented by ADB.

Date of complaints and summary of cases (project-level grievance level mechanism):  Nine complaints were raised by the community/ project beneficiaries during the ADB reporting period July 2022 – June 2023. The complaints related to the issues of the small infrastructures development, hand over assets issues, and permission to operate speedboat in MPA which have not been released, permit for operational mooring buoy in Gili Balu. They were all resolved by the sub-contractors, the Project Implementation Unit with coordination with the MPA stakeholders.

Projects:  Promoting Climate Resilience in Viet Nam Cities (GEF ID 6924) and Integrated Approaches for Sustainable Cities in Viet Nam (GEF ID 9484), implemented by ADB.

Date of complaints and summary of cases (project-level grievance mechanism): The complaint was also reported during the ADB reporting period July 2022-June 2023.

The complaint related to a grant for energy efficiency for a Street Lighting System in Ha Giang (Package HG-CW-08). ADB issued a no objection letter to the Ha Giang PMU on the recommendation of the proposed bidder and contract award on September 21, 2022. The PMU has issued an invitation to the first ranked contractor to attend contract negotiations. However, due to the receipt of a complaint regarding the evaluation process, the PMU was advised by the ADB team to clarify the matters raised in the complaint with the bidders and report back. The PMU requested additional information regarding the reference contracts, and by mid-June 2023, Ha Giang PMU submitted the revised BER with recommendation to cancel the bid, finding that both bidders failed to meet the qualification criteria.

On 12 July 2023, ADB issued no objection to the Ha Giang PMU9s request to conclude the current bidding process of the package following the determination that there are no qualified bids. On July 31, 2023 one bidder submitted request for a debriefing meeting to Ha Giang PMU (ADB project team was copied) on the bidding results.

A response letter dated August 3, 2023 from Ha Giang PMU was issued to the requesting bidder providing an explanation why such bid was not selected. Ha Giang PMU is recommended to prepare to re-bid the package and submit the updated Bidding Document to ADB for review and approval.

Project: BIOREACH: Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecological Land Restoration in Productive Landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago (GEF ID 10188), implemented by FAO.

Date complaint received: Email – February 2, 2023 (project-level grievance mechanism)

Complainant: Tableland Pineapple Farmers Association (TFPA) 

Summary of allegations: In February 2023, the project received a complaint from TFPA about the non-inclusion at a Farmer’s Sub-Committee Meeting and reports of environmental damage observed at the Victoria Forest Reserve 

Date case put under formal review: N/A (see below) 

Status and findings: -BIOREACH informed via email on February 16, 2023, that the project has involved TPFA in workshops that supported the project’s formulation.  With regards to the environmental damage report, the technical officer informed the complainant that the project cannot enforce against or investigate any possible breaches. 

Management actions:  Resolution letter February 28, 2023 - TPFA was assured that they would be included and consulted in future meetings, especially when activities focused on farmer training and development, exploring the development of a green value chain and agrotourism opportunities for Pineapple farmers. The matter was resolved by the parties. Regarding the second complaint, the PMU notifies the responsible agencies in writing and report TFPA when the letters are sent. 

Project: Integrated Transboundary Ridges-to-Reef Management of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR2R) (GEF ID 5765), implemented by WWF-US.

Date of complaint: April 2023 (project-level grievance mechanism)

Summary of allegations: Among all the sub-projects within the MAR2R, the "Comprehensive Water Resource Management with an R2R Approach in the Tulum Watershed" sub-project in Mexico received a grievance. A beneficiary raised a complaint because the composting latrine, which was part of the pilot project, had not been fully completed, with pending issues related to the door and paint. The grievance was submitted in writing and placed in a community complaint box.

Status: SEMARNAT (the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) and the PMU (Project Management Unit) received and addressed the grievance. They resolved it by installing the missing door and making the necessary adjustments to ensure satisfactory delivery to the beneficiary.

Project: Integrated Transboundary Ridges-to-Reef Management of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR2R) (GEF ID 5765), implemented by WWF-US.

Date of complaint: April 2023 (project-level grievance mechanism)

Summary of allegations: Among all the sub-projects within the MAR2R, the "Comprehensive Water Resource Management with an R2R Approach in the Tulum Watershed" sub-project in Mexico received a grievance. A beneficiary raised a complaint because the composting latrine, which was part of the pilot project, had not been fully completed, with pending issues related to the door and paint. The grievance was submitted in writing and placed in a community complaint box.

Status: SEMARNAT (the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) and the PMU (Project Management Unit) received and addressed the grievance. They resolved it by installing the missing door and making the necessary adjustments to ensure satisfactory delivery to the beneficiary.

Project:  Supporting the Implementation of Integrated Ecosystem Management Approach for Landscape Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania (GEF ID 9524), implemented by UNEP

Date complaint received:  July 2023

Allegations:  UNEP was requested to undertake a Management Review of the project raised by US-based NGO regarding allegations of evictions, human rights abuses, and cattle seizure allegations occurring in specific areas in Tanzania.

Date case put under formal review:  8 August 2023.  UNEP initiated a Management Review which concluded that the TRI Project in question is not implicated in the concerns. It confirmed that the project’s intervention followed the standard procedures and the operational policies. There was no evidence to suggest harm derived from the GEF financed activities, nor any geographical linkage to the allegations.  Further, the NGO confirmed that the allegations raised were not exclusive to the GEF-financed project.

Status and findings:  UNEP initiated a management review encompassing a desk analysis of all pertinent project documentation, spatial analysis, a field visit by the Senior Safeguards Advisor, and a series of consultations with project teams and wider stakeholders including local/national authorities and community representatives.

Management actions:  UNEP reports that the case is now closed, and the complainant and all stakeholders were informed of the outcome of the Review.  Case completed.

Project: Standards and Labels for Promoting Energy Efficiency in Russia (GEF ID 3216), implemented by UNDP; and subsequent system-level audit of broader UNDP project portfolio

Date complaint was received: May 10, 2017

Summary of allegations: A special annex to the terminal evaluation report of this project alleged, inter alia, procurement fraud and embezzlement. There were also claims of retaliation against persons involved in project review and in reporting alleged misconduct.

Date case put under formal review: May 10, 2017

Status of the case: Investigation by UNDP Office of Audit and Investigation (OAI) is closed. OAI investigated the allegations and found the claims of procurement fraud and embezzlement could not be substantiated and closed the case in May 2018. However, OAI did detect a number of irregularities linked to conflicts of interest in the Project Steering Committee that did not amount to misconduct of UNDP staff but did need to be addressed in order for the same mistakes not be repeated in the future.

Management actions: At the request of several member states, UNDP initiated an external review to determine if UNDP’s management of the S&L project was appropriate and existing oversight and accountability policies effectively implemented. The results of the external review, the UNDP management response, and related documentation are here:

• Final Draft Report
• UNDP Cover Letter
• UNDP Ethics Office Response
• UNDP Management Response
• UNDP Office of Audit and Investigations Response
• Final Report

Note:  UNDP also has initiated a broader system-wide audit of UNDP’s management of the GEF portfolio.  The results of this audit, the UNDP management response, and related documentation are here:

• Final Report
• Action Plan and tracking of implementation of the Action Plan
• Cover Letter

UNDP OAI undertook a follow up Audit of UNDP’s management of the GEF portfolio in April/May 2021. See final report. Additional information on allegations of retaliation available at UN Dispute Tribunal.

Project: Strengthening climate services and early warning systems in the Gambia for climate resilient development and adaptation to climate change – 2nd Phase of the GOTG/GEF/UNEP LDCF NAPA Early Warning Project (GEF ID 5071), implemented by UNDP.

Date complaint received: February 15, 2018

Summary of allegations:  UNDP Resident Representative reported allegations of procurement fraud against former UNDP staff member

Date case put under formal review: February 16, 2018

Status and findings: OAI opened 14 investigation cases. 3 cases closed in May 2022 and 5 additional cases were closed between February and August 2023. Another 6 cases remain opened and investigations are on-going. Financial losses likely but total amount has not been finalized.

Management actions: Project closure expected in December 2022.

Project: Market Transformation and Removal of Barriers for Effective Implementation of State Level CC Action Plans (GEF ID 5361), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: May 9, 2018

Summary of allegations: Procurement fraud.

Date case put under formal review: May 22, 2018

Status and findings: OAI investigation closed on February 10, 2022. Case unsubstantiated.

Management actions: Project financially closed in Aug 2022. Case completed.

Project concerned: Building adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change in Afghanistan (GEF ID 4227) (LDCF Trust Fund), implemented by UNEP

Date complaint was received: See below.

Summary of allegations (and nature of the claim): UNEP management identified irregularities in financial reporting, delayed submission, and issues relating to expenditure eligibility. This led to an internal audit, with concerns referred to the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

Date case put under formal review: The OIOS audit was conducted between Nov 2018 and Feb 2019 with the final report released in May 2019.

Status and findings: Financial handling practices did not align with best practices, and there was a lack of clear records for expenditures tied to their respective projects.

Management actions: Management suspended all disbursements as an interim measure pending the OIOS internal audit. The audit and financial analysis determined that $323,920 were ineligible costs charged to the LDCF project, which were then retrieved. Management implemented restructuring measures to strengthen accountability mechanisms within the concerned Branch. The Country Program Manager for the Afghanistan Office was replaced. Following a Steering Committee Meeting to discuss these events, a decision was made to transfer the project execution to NEPA. However, the project was later cancelled due to the emerging challenging political situation. UNEP reports that the case was closed. Case completed.

Project: GEF Small Grants Programme in Mauritius, implemented by UNDP, and executed by UNOPS

Date complaint was received: March 31, 2019 

Summary of allegations: The Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (EPCO), former SGP grantee in Mauritius, alleged improper grant management by the SGP National Coordinator, including termination of their grant, favoritism, and conflict of interest by a National Steering Committee member.

Date case was put under formal review: April 16, 2019 by UNOPS

Status of the case: Case completed.

Findings and recommendations: The Internal Audit and Investigation Group (IAIG) of UNOPS found no evidence of fraud but that: (i) the NSC member had a conflict of interest or at least perception of such; (ii) several grantees used the technical assistance of an NGO owned by the NSC member, and his organization materially benefitted. The report recommended several steps to improve the implementation of the SGP Operational Guidelines and Standard Operation Practices.

Management actions:  UNOPS worked with the SGP Country Programme Team to fully implement all recommendations of the Action Plan. Implementation was finalized and verified by the UNOPS Internal Audit and Investigation Group (IAIG) during the first quarter 2021. The recommendations were linked to: 1) removal of an NSC member due to identified conflict of interest; 2) reinforcement of the practices and expectations related to the terms of reference (TOR) for National Steering Committee (NSC) members and ensure full compliance with the Conflict of Interest regulation/form; and 3) assessment of audited grants as to whether any funds should be recovered.

As such, the NSC member has been replaced and NSC member rotation duly documented and shared with IAIG. Furthermore, SGP Mauritius has reviewed the composition and tenure of all National Steering Committee members, and two members have ended their participation in NSC. SGP Mauritius has also adopted the new NSC meeting minutes template developed jointly by CPMT and UNOPS with a view to streamline information required from the NSC meetings and ensure that information recorded in NSC meeting minutes is improved in terms of quality, completeness, and in regard to conflict of interest.

In early 2020, all members signed the conflict-of-interest statement at the NSC meeting. Beyond that, SGP staff in Mauritius completed a course on ethical conduct and related UNOPS training on ethics and integrity. One project was terminated, and funds recovered by SGP have been reallocated to COVID-19 response projects. The SGP Mauritius team also documented proof-of-completion of all projects. UNOPS reviewed and verified all relevant financial reports for these projects. Case completed.

Project: Global: Transboundary Cooperation for Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Conservation (GEF ID 5886), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: July 10, 2019

Summary of allegations: UNDP staff member reported allegations of procurement fraud.

Date case put under formal review: July 29, 2019

Status and findings: OAI investigation was closed on 22 October 2021. UNDP has reported a finding of financial loss of US$2,874.90 which arose in project procurement activities. Case completed. 

Management actions: UNDP reports that it is taking the necessary steps to reimburse the GEF TF for the loss, working with the Trustee. Project financially closed in January 2021.

Projects: (1) Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions for Low-carbon Urban Development (GEF ID 5059) and (2) Promotion of energy efficient lighting in Kazakhstan (GEF ID 4166), implemented by UNDP

Summary of allegations: Procurement fraud.

Date case put under formal review: October 9, 2019

Findings: OAI investigation closed on April 6, 2022. Case substantiated with no quantifiable financial loss identified.

Management actions: Project GEF ID 4166 financially closed in April 2018. Project GEF ID 5059 under implementation with enhanced oversight, and Terminal Evaluation planned for February 2024.

Project: Strengthening Management Effectiveness and Generating Multiples Environmental Benefits within and around Protected Areas in Zambia (GEF ID 4639), implemented by UNDP.

Date complaint received: November 6, 2019

Summary of allegations: UNDP Resident Representative informed OAI regarding allegations relating to a legal case and dispute by vendor that UNDP has not honored a payment related to the supply of scout uniforms and equipment (patrol kits). Investigation indicates possible misappropriation by a former employee of the vendor.

Date case put under formal review: November 7, 2019

Status and findings:  OAI investigation closed on August 11, 2021.  Financial loss of US$68,562.00 confirmed through investigation, from an apparent misappropriation of funds for patrol kits by a former employee of a vendor in the project.  Case completed.

Management actions: Project implementation completed, and the project financially closed in March 2021. UNDP reports that the offender is an external person not under the jurisdiction of OAI, and that OAI has recommended the case against this person be referred to national authorities. UNDP also reports that it is taking the necessary steps to reimburse the GEF TF for the loss, working with the Trustee.

Project:  Climate risk finance for sustainable and climate resilient rainfed farming and pastoral systems (GEF ID 4958), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received:  November 6, 2019

Summary of allegations:  Related to procurement fraud

Status/Findings:  OAI has determined that the allegations made in relation to this project were unsubstantiated and they have closed the case.  Case completed.

Management actions: Project implementation completed, and financially closed in November 2022

Project concerned: Umbrella Global Project on the Updating of National Implementation Plans for POPs (Global Project with Libyan allocation of $169,132) (GEF ID 5307), implemented by UNEP.

Date complaint was received: November 13, 2019

Summary of allegations (and nature of claim): A senior GEF Secretariat staff member reported to the UNEP GEF Coordinator that she met the Libyan GEF Operational Focal Point (OFP) during an Extended Constituency Workshop of MENA Countries, and he reported to her that: “some of the funds transferred to the executing agency in Libya have disappeared.”

Status of case and date put under formal review: The complex political situation in Libya disrupted the standard reporting procedures between UNEP and the Libyan Executing Agency, the Environmental General Authority (EGA). This disruption was compounded as the EGA, along with other segments of the Libyan Government, experienced fragmentation. Notably, the Stockholm Convention Focal Point was located in the EGA branch in Tripoli, while the GEF Operational Focal Point resided in a competing EGA faction in Elbaida. The primary concern arose from funds that were transferred to the government of Libya and were not adequately accounted for during the turmoil in the country.

Management actions: In response to the challenging political situation, operations and further disbursements for the Libyan component were suspended. Efforts to address the unaccounted funds totaling $38,312 involved communication through various channels, such as the Permanent Mission of Libya to the UN Offices in Geneva, the UN Resident Coordinator, the Stockholm Convention Focal Point, and the GEF Operational Focal Point.

In July 2020, with the appointment of a new GEF Operational and Political Focal Point within the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, UNEP successfully re-established communication with the appointee and requested a formal review of the outstanding balance.

Subsequently, the Environmental General Authority conducted internal inquiries, reaching out to former staff and examining project archives. In March 2021, UNEP received an official correspondence and an endorsed expenditure report from the GEF Political and Operational Focal Point. After reviewing and accepting the reported expenditures, UNEP was able to account for the balance.

In January 2023, UNEP communicated to the GEF OFP in Libya its decision to cancel the Libyan component of the project and proceeded accordingly. UNEP reports that the case was closed.  Case completed.

Project concerned: Minamata Initial Assessment (GEF ID 9494), implemented by UNEP

Date complaint was received: November 26, 2019

Summary of allegations (and nature of claim): Following a Project Steering Committee meeting held in Pretoria, South Africa in November 2017, the project beneficiary wrote to UNEP (as implementing agency) and the executing agency, raising concerns over a large sole source procurement valued at $115,000. In 2018-2019, UNEP conducted an informal review into the procurement and agreed that there were valid issues linked to the procurement related to inappropriate identification, selection and payment to a supplier outside the scope of the project procurement plan and procurement policies of UNEP as set out in the legal instrument with the executing agency.

Date case put under formal review: The case was referred to OIOS in November 2019 and was included in their 2020 workplan for formal investigation.

Status and findings: OIOS transmitted its  investigation report to the UNEP Executive Director on 27 May 2021. The report identified an unaccounted sum of $36,000, which seems unlikely to be recovered, and recommended that UNEP take appropriate action. The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)-NY was also involved to consider potential referral of the case to national judicial authorities.

Management actions: In response, and following consultations with the Executing Agency and Project Beneficiary, the responsible staff member from the Executing Agency was removed from all UNEP/GEF projects.

UNEP’s procurement section reviewed the agency's processes and assisted in developing a procurement manual aligning with international standards. The Executing Agency cancelled the procurement contract and recovered funds exceeding the value of services provided.

Internal investigations at the Executing Agency led to the decision not to renew the contract of the staff member involved. Projects under the Executing Agency now benefit from enhanced supervision and comply with financial rules, as verified by financial audits. The UNEP-developed procurement manual is being utilized by the executing agency.

The project is currently in its closure phase, with UNEP reconciling the financials. As previously reported, UNEP will coordinate with the Trustee to return the lost amount of $36,000 to the GEF Trust Fund.  UNEP reports that the case has now been closed. Case completed.

Project: Development and Commercialization of Bioenergy Technologies in the Municipal Sector in Ukraine (GEF ID 4377), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: November 15, 2019

Summary of allegations: An anonymous source made allegations of procurement fraud in the award of a training contract and in the award of a contract for the provision of boilers. In addition, the complainant alleged that grants to five NGOs and four individual contracts were unduly awarded to people/entities linked to a member of the Project Board.

Date case put under formal review: November 18, 2019

Status and findings: The OAI investigation was comprised of six sub cases.  Two sub-cases were substantiated and vendors have been included on the UNDP Vendor Sanctions list.  The final four sub-cases were unsubstantiated. Cases connected to this project are now closed.

Management actions: This Bioenergy Project (GEF ID 4377) completed implementation and was reported as financially closed to GEF Trustee in May 2021. In March 2020, out of an abundance of caution, UNDP suspended a separate project in the Ukraine the Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings Project (GEF ID 5357) and initiated a full management review of the project. The management review has been completed and the Energy Efficiency project suspension was lifted, with GEF CEO concurrence, on 4 March 2021. Implementation is on-going with closure expected by June 2024 (see below).

Project: Market Transformation for Sustainable Rural Housing in Uzbekistan (GEF ID 6913), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: March 12, 2020

Summary of allegations: Failure to comply with UNDP obligations.

Date case put under formal review: March 17, 2020

Findings: OAI investigation closed on February 16, 2022. Case unsubstantiated.

Status: Under implementation. Terminal evaluation planned for July 2024.

Project concerned: GEF Small Grants Programme in Sri Lanka, implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: June 30, 2020

Summary of allegations: Sri Lanka Nature Forum (SLNF) - a network of registered environmental organizations in Sri Lanka – submitted allegations of wrongdoing, irregularities, discrimination, fraud, and injustice.

Date case put under formal review: July 31, 2020 by UNOPS

Status and findings: The Internal Audit and Investigation Group (IAIG) of UNOPS conducted a remote forensic audit of the program. It found no credible evidence of fraud or conflict of interest but rather gaps and irregularities in required documentation and management of the Country Programme and a lack of guidance on a small number of key issues, including conflict-of-interest documentation and involvement of civil servants in proposal design and implementation. The report recommended that UNOPS issue more comprehensive guidance in a number of areas to the NC/NSC, to improve the implementation of the SGP Operational Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

Management actions: Following the results of the audit, UNOPS in coordination with UNDP, agreed on an implementation plan to address the recommendations with management actions, including guidance on key issues, that will not only strengthen management of the Sri Lanka SGP Country Programme but also that of SGP Country Programmes worldwide.  UNOPS, in coordination with UNDP, will actively engage with the SGP Country Programme Teams to improve their capacities to more effectively and transparently perform programme operations, including financial and grant management, in compliance with the SGP Operational Guidelines and SGP UNOPS Standard Operating Procedures. This will include sharing of best practices based on audit findings. The lessons learned from the audit findings will be used to strengthen execution of SGP Sri Lanka Programme management, while informing its new Operational Phase (OP7). Case completed.

Project: Removing Barriers to increase investment in Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings in Ukraine through the ESCO modality in Small and Medium Sized Cities (GEF ID 5357)

Date complaint received: June 2, 2021

Summary of allegations: Failure to comply with obligations.

Date case put under formal review: June 22, 2021

Findings: OAI investigation closed on March 25, 2022. Case unsubstantiated.

Management Actions: Implementation is on-going with closure expected by June 2025.

Project: Hanoi Urban Transport Development Project in Vietnam (effective November 22, 2007; closed December 31, 2016), implemented by the World Bank.

Summary of project and background facts: The project aimed to increase urban mobility in targeted areas in Hanoi, by increasing use of public transport in selected corridors and reducing travel times, and to promote more environmentally sustainable transport modes and urban development plans for Hanoi. The project was partially supported by GEF funding.

On November 11, 2013, an individual was hired under Contract IS02c2: An International Individual Consultant to Support the BRT Component on Traffic Signal System (“Contract IS02c2”). Contract IS02c2 was financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Grant and the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Fund (PHRD). On November 1, 2014, the individual signed a subcontract to be the Team Leader for a consultancy joint venture which had been awarded two consultancy contracts under the Danang Sustainable City Development Project. The consultancy contracts were fully financed with IBRD loans.

Status and findings: An investigation by the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) found that the individual improperly influenced the tender processes under the two projects, solicited bribes, and failed to disclose his business relationship with a bidder. These are collusive, corrupt, and fraudulent practices, respectively. (See also below, Management actions)

Management actions: The World Bank imposed sanctions including debarment of an individual in connection with the collusive, corrupt, and fraudulent practices. Additional information is here. The World Bank also issued a press release announcing the debarment of Spain-based Grupo Mecánica del Vuelo Sistemas, S.A.U., in connection with collusive, corrupt, and fraudulent practices, as defined by the World Bank’s Sanctions Procedures, relating to two projects in Viet Nam, including the Hanoi Urban Transport Development Project (GEF ID 2368) that was partially funded by a grant from the GEF. This project closed on December 31, 2016. The press release is publicly accessible on the World Bank’s external website.  Case completed.

Project: Global Sustainable Supply Chains for Marine Commodities (GEF ID 5271; total GEF Grant US$5,500,000), implemented by UNDP

Date complaint received: November 6, 2021

Summary of allegations: Failure to comply with UNDP obligations.

Date case put under formal review: November 11, 2021

Findings: OAI investigation closed on June 27, 2022. Case unsubstantiated.

Management action: Project implementation completed. Financial closure expected in March 2024.

Project 1: GEF-financed Strengthening Multi-sectoral Management of Critical Landscapes in Samoa (GEF ID 4550; total GEF Grant US$4,736,363), implemented by UNDP

Status/Findings: Case substantiated with financial loss with amount of US$154,043.16

Management Actions: Refund to GEF processed on February 14, 2022 with amount of US$154,043.16. Project implementation completed and was reported as financially closed to GEF Trustee in June 2022.

Project 2: LDCF-financed Enhancing the resilience of tourism-reliant communities to climate change risks (GEF ID 4585; total GEF Grant US$1,950,000), implemented by UNDP

Status/Findings: Case substantiated with financial loss with amount of US$139,624.86

Management Actions: Refund to GEF  processed on February 14, 2022 with amount of US$139,624.86. Project implementation completed and was reported as financially closed to GEF Trustee in April 2020.

Project 3: LDCF-financed Economy-wide integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management to reduce climate vulnerability of communities in Samoa (GEF ID 5417; total GEF Grant US$12,322,936), implemented by UNDP

Status/Findings: Case substantiated with financial loss. Refund due to financial loss has been processed on February 14, 2022 with amount of US$7,899.80.

Management Actions: Project implementation completed in August 2022, and financial closure expected in December 2023.

Project 4: Global (Samoa as participating country), GEF-financed ABS Global Capacity Program Nagoya Protocol - Strengthening human resources, legal frameworks and institutional capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol (GEF ID 5731; total GEF Grant US$12,000,000), implemented by UNDP.

Status/Findings: Case on Samoa substantiated with financial loss. Refund due to financial loss has been processed on February 14, 2022 with amount of US$103,088.58.

Management action: Project implementation completed and was reported as financially closed to GEF Trustee in June 2022.

Project: Energy efficient standards, certification, and labeling for appliances and equipment in Kazakhstan - EE S&L project in Kazakhstan under Global Platform (GEF ID 9332; total GEF Grant US$3,500,000), implemented by UNDP.

Allegations: Related to procurement fraud and misrepresentation, forgery and false certification. 

Status/Findings: UNDP reports that the investigation of its Office of Audit and Investigation (OAI) has substantiated the allegations. UNDP further reports that no financial loss could be quantified. Case completed.

Management action: UNDP management suspended this project in September 2020 and has conducted several internal reviews to strengthen oversight of this project.

Project: Strengthening Management of the PA System to Better Conserve Endangered Species and their Habitats (GEF ID 5089; total GEF Grant US$5,525,114), implemented by UNDP

Allegations: Related to theft and embezzlement. 

Status/Findings: UNDP reports that the OAI investigation is completed and found that the case is unsubstantiated. Case completed.

Management actions: Project implementation completed and financially closed in November 2023.

Project: Promoting production and utilization of biomethane from agro-waste in South-Eastern Botswana (GEF ID 5628; total GEF Grant US$2,632,300), implemented by UNDP

Allegations: Related to procurement fraud against a UNDP personnel.

Status/Findings: The OAI investigation is completed in July 2023 and found that the case unsubstantiated. Case completed.

Management action: The project implementation completed, and financial closure expected in July 2024.

Project: Pakistan Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GEF ID 9231; total GEF Grant US$4,644,521), implemented by UNDP

Allegations: Related to misuse of official resources against an NGO reported by the UNDP Resident Representative

Status/Findings: The OAI investigation is completed in April 2023 and found the case substantiated with an estimated financial loss of US$80,556.03 as a result of the use of funds for unauthorized purposes by a third party (NGO) within the project. The case has been referred to the Vendor Sanctions Committee after which UNDP will begin a process to attempt to recover these funds.

Management Actions: The project was suspended when the OAI case was opened and remains suspended until December 31, 2023.

Project: “Sound Management of POPs Containing Waste” (GEF ID 5179; total GEF Grant USD5,720,000), implemented by UNDP

Allegations: Related to procurement fraud.

Status/Findings: The OAI investigation was closed and the case unsubstantiated.

Management Actions: The project was operationally closed in December 2022. Case completed September 2023.