By Madigan Griffin | Executive Coordinator
Following years of advocacy by our Policy team, in late December 2020, a new federal law passed requiring the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an accountability mechanism. These mechanisms are a critical component in providing a structure through which communities can access justice and remedy, but the mere existence of these institutions is not enough. These bodies – indeed, any aimed at providing accountability to marginalized communities – need to function in a way that values, elevates, and ultimately respects community perspectives in a meaningful way.
The legal requirement is welcome news for those who want USAID’s projects to be successful and sustainable, as an accountability mechanism not only provides communities impacted by USAID projects an avenue to seek redress but also helps USAID ensure its money meets its mark. Currently, USAID has no independent and effective accountability process available to communities who are negatively impacted by its projects, putting it out of step with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, many multilateral development banks, and national development agencies in France and Japan, all of which have accountability mechanisms. With the requirement now in place, Accountability Counsel will work to ensure that USAID's mechanism meets best practice and prioritizes community voices and needs.
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