Our Mandate
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is the independent recourse mechanism for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The CAO responds to complaints from project-affected communities with the goal of enhancing social and environmental outcomes on the ground. Learn More
Case Update
Panama - Pando Montelirio Hydro
February 24, 2010 - The CAO has accepted a complaint from 16 civil society organizations in the Chiriqui province of Panama regarding IFC's Pando Montelirio project. The complainants cite a number of concerns relating to consultation, cumulative impacts, and water.Learn more about this case
Indonesia - Wilmar 2
February 22, 2010 - IFC's response to CAO's Assessment Report regarding this case is now available. Learn more about this case
Cambodia - Airport Development Project II
January 14, 2010 - The CAO has accepted a complaint regarding an airport development project supported by IFC in Cambodia. The complaint was submitted by a local NGO on behalf of 79 families who believe they have been negatively affected by the development of Sihanoukville International Airport. See Media Statement under "What's New". Learn more about this case
Ecuador - Interagua
January 12, 2010 - The CAO has posted four new agreements from the Dialog Table in English and Spanish (June-December 2009). Learn more about this case
Colombia - Buenaventura Container Terminal
January 5, 2010 - The CAO has accepted a complaint about the IFC-supported Buenaventura Container Terminal (TCBuen) in Columbia. The complaint, submitted by a coalition of community councils, raises issues related to minority rights, disclosure and consultation. Learn more about the case
Indonesia - Wilmar
December 1, 2009 - In response to a further appeal from NGOs, World Bank President Robert Zoellick has frozen all World Bank Group funding of the palm oil sector pending the development of a comprehensive strategy. This development follows CAO's audit of IFC's involvement in the Wilmar Group, a global agribusiness conglomerate specializing in the production and trade of palm oil. To view the President's letter, audit report, and ombudsman work related to this case, click on the link below. Learn more about the case
What's New
Cambodia - Sihanoukville International Airport
March 4, 2010 - The CAO has released a media statement regarding the complaint received on IFC's involvement in the Sihanoukville International Airport development in Cambodia. Media Release
CAO 2008-9 Annual Report
October 2009 - This year has been one of remarkable results for communities and for private sector sponsors of IFC/MIGA projects. It has also been a year in which IFC and MIGA have made significant improvements in institutionalizing responses to the CAO and enhancing their commitments to independent recourse and accountability. CAO's 2008-9 Annual Report is available for download in English and Spanish. CAO 2008-9 Annual Report
Members of the World Bank Group