The Accountability of International Organizations

The authors of this paper set forth a four-dimensional accountability framework for international organizations. Accordingly, IGOs must ensure the participation of internal and external stakeholders, including civil society and government. They must be transparent, both in disclosing information and in their decision-making processes. Their activities must be subject to evaluation by external agencies and through an internal, self-critical organizational culture. Finally, a complaints and regress mechanism must uncover abuses of power.