In April 2014, indigenous people used DEG’s and FMO’s complaints mechanism to file a complaint against the project. This mechanism ensures that individuals and organisations who believe they are adversely affected by a project funded by DEG will be heard and can submit a complaint. An independent body known as the Independent External Panel decides on the admissibility of each complaint and is responsible for its handling. The Panel examined this complaint, accepted it and carried out a compliance review to consider DEG’s and FMO’s compliance with the IFC’s international Environmental and Social Performance Standards. One particular challenge was that the loan agreement with GENISA had been signed in 2011, before the complaints mechanism was established. Also against this backdrop, the Panel commented positively on the participation of all those involved.

[To see the full response in the original German version, please click here]