On 26 March 2025, the Independent Redress Mechanism hosted the 13th GRAM Partnership webinar, which focused on understanding how civil society organisations (CSOs) view grievance redress and accountability mechanisms.

The panelists included experts from various organisations, each sharing insights based on their experiences with Grievance Redress and Accountability Mechanisms (GRAMs).

• Preksha Kumar, Registrar and Case Officer, IRM
• Prabindra Shakya, Founder and Director, Community Empowerment and Social Justice Network (CEMSOJ)
• Rayyan Hassan, Executive Director, NGO Forum on ADB
• Tala Batangan, Asia Regional Coordinator, Coalition for Human Rights in Development
• Tunga Rai, Director of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Climate Change Partnership Program

The discussion focused on how CSOs view GRAMs regarding accessibility, process, retaliation, and remedy. Panelists looked at the challenges faced by affected communities, such as a lack of awareness about grievance mechanisms, language and technological barriers, and the complexities of navigating multiple institutional processes. The need for effective communication and representation of indigenous perspectives in grievance redress was emphasised, particularly regarding the cultural and non-economic dimensions of remedy.

The panelists also addressed the issue of retaliation against those who engage with grievance mechanisms, highlighting the shrinking civic space and the risks faced by human rights defenders. They stressed the importance of establishing trust between communities and accountability mechanisms, advocating for proactive measures to protect complainants from potential reprisals. Additionally, the need for accountability mechanisms to self-initiate complaints and take decisive action in cases of retaliation was discussed.

The webinar aimed to foster a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of civil society engagement with GRAMs, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for affected communities. The session concluded with a call for greater collaboration between accountability mechanisms and civil society organisations to enhance accessibility and effectiveness in grievance redress processes.

Watch the recording below:

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About the GRAM Partnership

The GRAM Partnership, established in 2019, serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and information about grievance redress and accountability issues, welcoming various stakeholders including academic institutions, civil society organisations, and individuals interested in the field.

Ressources supplémentaires

How should independent accountability mechanisms (IAMs) act on reprisals? - The Coalition for Human Rights in Development