DUSHANBE, September 29, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has briefed Tajikistan government officials, NGOs, private sector representatives, and project beneficiaries on its Accountability Mechanism.

The ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM) notes that during the briefings on 25-26 September, participants learned that the mechanism provides an independent forum for people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects to voice their concerns, seek solutions to their problems, and report alleged violations of ADB operational policies and procedures.

Established in 2003, the Accountability Mechanism consists of two separate but complementary functions: problem solving function and compliance review function.

The problem solving function, led by the Special Project Facilitator, focuses on finding satisfactory solutions to problems caused by ADB-assisted projects.

The compliance review function, led by the independent Compliance Review Panel (CRP), focuses on whether ADB has or has not complied with its operational policies and procedures that adversely affect local people. The mechanism applies to both ADB public and private sector operations.

The AM is supported by two separate offices: the Office of the Special Project Facilitator (OSPF) and the Office of the Compliance Review Panel (OCRP).  OSPF and OCRP work jointly in conducting outreach activities aimed at making the new AM better known and understood both within and outside ADB.  They support the SPF and CRP in carrying out the separate functions of problem solving and compliance review.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998 and, to date, ADB has approved total assistance of over $1.2 billion in concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance to the country. The 16 years of ADB-Tajikistan partnership has promoted social development, restored and built new infrastructure, expanded agricultural production, and encouraged regional cooperation and trade under the CAREC Program.

ADB, based in Manila, dedicates itself to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.  Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the Asia-Pacific region.  In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including cofinancing of $6.6 billion.