Make Your Voice Heard

The Office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman gives a voice to people who believe they are negatively impacted by IFC and MIGA projects. Learn about our process of independent accountability

Arne Hoel, The World Bank

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

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 Airport.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

Uruguay - Orion Case

January 8, 2009 - CAO Ombudsman has transferred the Orion case to CAO Compliance for appraisal. The complaint was submitted by the Environmental Civic Assembly of Gualeguaychú, an Argentine NGO, regarding a greenfield eucalyptus kraft pulp mill in Uruguay, adjacent to the Uruguay- Argentina border. Learn more about the 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

Nicaragua - NSEL

December 18, 2009 - Boston University submitted results of its Epidemiology Scoping Study on Chronic Renal Insufficiency in Nicaragua to dialogue table participants on December 2, 2009. The Executive Summary and full report are available in English and Spanish. Learn more about this case

Chile - Aconcagua hydro

December 16, 2009 - The CAO has received a complaint pertaining to IFC's Aconcagua hydroelectric project in Chile. CAO Ombudsman is conducting an assessment of the complaint. 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

CAO participates in World Legal Forum, The Hague Dec 7-8

December 8, 2009 - The CAO participated in the World Legal Forum at the Hague on the 7-8th December. CAO & Vice President, Meg Taylor, spoke on international public norm setting for private actors and dispute resolution systems. More information on this event

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