The compliance review process assesses and reports on complaints regarding DFC’s compliance with its policies related to environment, social impacts, worker rights and human rights under an DFC-supported project. These policies include sections 231 (n), 231A, 237(m), 239(g) and 239(i) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and DFC’s Environmental Handbook - February 2004.
A request for compliance review may be filed with the Office of Accountability by any of the following:
- Member/s of the local community with concerns about adverse environmental, social, worker rights or human rights impacts of a DFC-supported project, or their authorized representative
- DFC’s CEO
- DFC's Board of Directors
If a request is made through a representative, the people on whose behalf it is made must be clearly identified and evidence of the nature and extent of representative authority must be provided. Where there is clear evidence that there is no adequate or appropriate representation in the country where the project is located, and explicit evidence of representative authority is provided to DFC, a non-local representative may file the request.
If members of the local community are concerned about disclosure of their identity, they can request that their details be kept confidential. The Office of Accountability does not accept anonymous requests. Confidentiality should be requested at the time of filing and a reason must be provided.
The request must relate to a project for which DFC has executed a financial agreement or insurance contract with the sponsor, and DFC maintains a contractual relationship with the project.
Requests for compliance review must be written in English or the native language of the requesters and should include the following information:
- The requester’s identity and contact information
- The identity, contact information and credentials of any representative, and evidence of the nature and scope of the representative authority
- Whether the requester wishes his/her identity and/or information provided to the Office of Accountability to be kept confidential, giving reasons
- The nature and location of the project that is the subject of the request, the identity of the project sponsor, and whether the project is supported by DFC
- A clear statement of evidence (or perceived risk) of adverse environmental, social, worker rights or human rights outcomes attributed to the project
- If possible, identification of the DFC statutes, policies, guidelines or procedures related to environmental, social, worker rights or human rights impacts that are the subject of the compliance review request
Requests should be filed with the Office of Accountability at DFC offices in Washington, DC. Requests will be accepted by mail, e-mail, and hand delivery. If you e-mail your request, you must still send an original copy with original signatures by mail. For all inquiries about the Office of Accountability, please contact:
Director, Office of Accountability
1100 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20527 USA
Telephone: +1 (202) 357-3910
Email: accountability@dfc.gov