Resources

Additional resources

Grievance mechanisms are key to a project or programme’s ability to deliver sustainable outcomes. Almost every project or programme, and particularly those that are resource intensive, will have an impact on the environment and host communities, beneficiaries, or other stakeholders. The impacts may be good or bad; or a combination of both. They may vary in scope and range and, given the complexity of the environments where most GCF funded activities take place, it is also natural that tensions or conflict may arise as a project or programme is implemented.

Grievance mechanisms play a key role in providing trusted channels for complaints to be brought forward and for problems to be resolved before they escalate in intensity or severity. They often signal to the project or programme implementers where improvements or changes may be made. As such, they are essential parts of community relations and risk management strategies. It is no surprise then that they are also required under GCF policies, and that the IRM has a mandate to help increase the capacity of direct access entities in this regard.

As a starting point, the IRM has collected a variety of resources and toolkits to provide general guidance and references to those looking to implement a grievance mechanism.

• Self-Assessment Report of the IRM
• CAO Grievance Mechanism Toolkit
• Joint FCPF/UN-REDD Programme Guidance Note for REDD+ Countries: Establishing and Strengthening Grievance Mechanisms
• IPIECA’s Community Grievance Mechanisms Toolbox
• The Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights: An Interpretative Guide
• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• The Practice of Grievance Redress, World Bank
• IFC Good Practice Note: Addressing Grievances from Project Affected Communities
• IIED's report on Mediation and development-related conflict
• OHCHR Accountability and Remedy Project
• OHCHR Guidance on Meeting the UNGPs’ Effectiveness Criteria
• The Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network: Criteria for participation and principles for cooperation