Complaints filed to CAO may concern environmental and social harm regarding any aspect of the planning, implementation, or impact of an IFC or MIGA project or related sub-project.
CAO has three eligibility criteria for accepting a complaint: i) the complaint pertains to an active IFC/MIGA project; ii) it raises environmental and social concerns; and iii) the complainant is, or may be, affected by the harm mentioned in the complaint. Once a complaint is deemed eligible, CAO will initiate an assessment unless the complainant chooses to refer the complaint to IFC/MIGA or the client for early resolution.
Eligible Complaints
Senegal: DP World Dakar SA-06
The complaint raises concerns about property damage allegedly caused by waves which the complainant claims associated with the new port’s breakwater, as well as the effectiveness of grievance mechanisms and access to information about potential future impacts.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
Senegal: DP World Dakar SA-05
The complaint raises concerns that the Ndayane port project may be causing or contributing to adverse environmental, social, and cultural impacts due to alleged shortcomings in consultation, information disclosure, impact assessment, mitigation measures, and protection of local communities, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
The complaint raises concerns about property damage allegedly caused by waves which the complainant claims associated with the new port’s breakwater, as well as the effectiveness of grievance mechanisms and access to information about potential future impacts.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
North Macedonia: STIP WPP-01
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
Alcazar Energy Partners II SCSP (P46314); Stip WPP I Up (P609731)
The complainant alleges issues that may affect their property, structures, agricultural activities, and family winery business, while disputes over compensation and the extent of land required remain unresolved. They also raises concerns about inadequate information and communication from the Project, as well as potential impacts on local water and electricity infrastructure serving the village.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
Brazil: Aperam Bioenergia
The complaint alleges inadequate disclosure and consultation in relation to land acquisition, land grabbing and pressure on communities, air and soil contamination from agrochemicals and charcoal emissions, impacts on water availability and quality, biodiversity and cumulative impacts, and adverse effects on traditional peoples.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
Guatemala: Energuate-01
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complainant has requested strict confidentiality due to fear of reprisals and denied disclosure of any identifiable details.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complaint raises concerns that the Ndayane port project may be causing or contributing to adverse environmental, social, and cultural impacts due to alleged shortcomings in consultation, information disclosure, impact assessment, mitigation measures, and protection of local communities, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complaint alleges impacts associated with coastal degradation, disappearance of beach areas, vegetation clearing, excavation activities, and broader alterations of the natural environment surrounding Ndayane.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
Serbia: Morava Corridor Motorway-06
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complaint concerns the expropriation of land for the Project, and is alleging economic displacement and ongoing financial harm arising from inadequate valuation and compensation, procedural deficiencies in the expropriation process, insufficient stakeholder engagement, and resettlement‑related impacts. The complaint also raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of available grievance mechanisms in addressing the alleged harms.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complaint alleges plausible adverse social harms linked to labor and employment practices in the context of the IFC‑supported acquisition of Philips East Africa Limited (PEAL), including risks of economic displacement, loss of accrued employment entitlements, lack of meaningful consultation, absence of effective grievance mechanisms, and fear of retaliation among affected employees.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complainants allege adverse social impacts related to land acquisition, resettlement, and livelihoods.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
Guinea: Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG)-02
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complaint raises concerns about the treatment of employees, particularly regarding the circumstances of their termination, unfair employment practices and the impacts on affected workers’ conditions.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Assessment
Once a complaint is deemed eligible, complainants may choose to refer their complaint to IFC/MIGA or the client for an attempt at early resolution. CAO will only refer complaints to IFC, MIGA, or the client with the complainants' consent. Complainants may notify CAO at any time if they wish to resume the CAO process.
Eligible Complaints - Referred to IFC, MIGA or Client
Colombia: District of Bogotá Metro Line 1-01
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
The complaint raises concerns related to potential community impacts associated with a project, including effects on property rights and land use, as well as the adequacy of stakeholder engagement and consultation processes. It also includes allegations regarding actions taken by local authorities.
The complaint met eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to MIGA
Jordan: Daehan Wind Power Company
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
Daehan Wind Power Company (P35349)
The complainant raises concerns that project activities have adversely affected the use and productivity of nearby agricultural land and have negatively impacted their livelihood and well-being. They also allege impacts on the surrounding environment and raise concerns regarding interactions with project personnel. In addition, the complainant states that efforts to raise these concerns directly with the company over several years did not result in a satisfactory resolution.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC
Croatia: ZGH Green Loan-01
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
ZGH Green Loan (#49604)
The complaint challenges the investment’s environmental sustainability, citing potential health risks from waste management and concerns over transparency and green finance claims.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC
PTCL Acquisition
IFC/MIGA Exposure:
PTCL Acquisition (#48543)
Complaint raises terms and conditions of employment and welfare concerns
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC at the request of the complainant
Morava Highway-02
Complaint alleges multiple adverse social impacts including: (i) irregular land expropriation process and livelihood impacts, (ii) inadequate stakeholder consultation, (iii) destruction of village infrastructure, and (iv) lack of effective judicial or other mechanisms to address concerns about the expropriation process.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to MIGA at the request of the complainant.
Nachtigal Hydropower Company
Issues of loss of livelihood means, income and subsequent lack of compensation; loss of access to the area in which employment and income was generated, and other subsistence activities, such as fishing, were done, and; lack of consultation and information before and after the economic displacement.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC & MIGA, at the request of the complainant.
Zambeef III ZMW
Issues of Environmental Impact Assessment, Stakeholder Engagement, Transparency and Disclosure and National Legal Requirements.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to MIGA at the request of the complainant.
Zarafshon Wind
Allegations of adverse E&S impacts on land, water, and livelihood.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to MIGA at the request of the complainant.
Benban Solar Park 5
Labor allegations related to termination and payment packages, health issues.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to MIGA at the request of the complainant.
Karot Hydro Power
Allegations regarding lack of compensation for land acquisitions, allegedly unfulfilled promises to build facilities for health, technical education, roads, and other supposed project benefits.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC, at the request of the complainants.
Karot Hydro Power
Allegations regarding lack of compensation and other concerns related to land acquisitions, flooding of village and environmental concerns which have allegedly impacted livelihoods and sources of income, and lack of benefits from the project.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC, at the request of the complainants.
Izmir Water and Sewerage Administration
Possible sewage pollution of land and water, biodiversity and health impacts, tourism and economic displacement due to sewage overflows.
The complaint met all 3 eligibility criteria: (1) relates to an active IFC project (2) raises environmental and social issues regarding the project (3) complainants may be affected by the harm alleged.
Referred to IFC, at the request of the complainants.
If a complaint does not meet all three of CAO's eligibility criteria, CAO deems it ineligible, and the complaint is closed.
Ineligible Complaints
Allegations of working, health and livelihood impacts related to cement particles.
Complaint relates to a project where an IFC/MIGA exit from an investment or project has occurred.
Closed
Allegations of involuntary resettlement and impacts on livelihood due to highway project.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. The complaint was determined ineligible since neither IFC or MIGA are participating in the alleged project.
Closed
Allegations of fraudulent activity, unfair massive dismissal and collaboration with armed rebel groups, which affected employees' livelihood and security.
massive dismissal and collaboration with armed rebel groups, which affected employees' livelihood and security Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/subproject. The complaint was determined ineligible since neither IFC or MIGA are participating in the alleged project.
Closed
Allegations of involuntary resettlement and impacts on livelihood due to highway project.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. The complaint was determined ineligible since neither IFC or MIGA are participating in the alleged project.
Closed
Labor dispute allegations.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project, and issues raised do not pertain to CAO’s mandate to address environmental and social impacts of an IFC or MIFA project.
Closed
Allegations regarding social issues related to client relations in Bangladesh. Unprofessional behavior alleged.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. The complaint was determined ineligible as IFC's investment was pending IFC management approval (under delegated authority from the IFC Board of Directors).
Closed
Allegations regarding social issues related to client relations in Bangladesh. Unprofessional behavior and gender discrimination alleged.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. The complaint was determined ineligible as IFC's investment was pending IFC management approval (under delegated authority from the IFC Board of Directors). According to CAO Policy and with the complainant's consent, the complaint was shared with IFC management.
Referred to IFC Management (pre-approval) - Closed
Allegations regarding social issues related to client relations in Bangladesh. Unprofessional behavior and sexual harassment allegations.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. The complaint was determined ineligible as IFC's investment was pending IFC Management approval (under delegated authority from the IFC Board of Directors). According to CAO Policy and with the complainant's consent, the complaint was shared with IFC management.
Closed: Referred to IFC Management (pre-approval)
Request for police records.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project.
Closed
Displacement, water resources, biodiversity and climate change.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. Additionally, the complaint is unrelated to a subproject within the scope of the financial product offered by IFC or guaranteed by MIGA. There is also no material link between the IFC or MIGA financial client and the sub-client or sub-project complained about. According to information provided by IFC and its client, the latter has not provided insurance coverage to any of the three subprojects complained about.
Closed
Labor discrimination.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project.
Closed
Impacts on agricultural irrigation and spring canal due to road expansion project.
Complaint is unrelated to an active IFC or MIGA project/sub-project. The IFC investment is in two subsidiaries, which are not exposed to the road project complained about. A third and different subsidiary of the same parent company, in which IFC has not invested, is potentially exposed to the road project. The complaint was determined ineligible because IFC does not have an active project linked to the road complained about. Additionally, the complaint is unrelated to a subproject within the scope of a financial product offered by IFC or guaranteed by MIGA.
Closed