Implementation of Operational Directive 4.20 on Indigenous Peoples: an independent desk review

This evaluation assesses how the Bank has implemented Operational Directive (OD) 4.20, a policy that aims to protect the interests of Indigenous Peoples (IP) through the use of Indigenous Peoples Development Plans (IPDPs). The IPDP is the Borrower’s responsibility and is expected to be available for Bank review before project appraisal. The OD clarifies that the IPDP should be based on a comprehensive diagnosis of the socio-economic context and that it should involve the informed participation of the IP, potentially affected by project actions.The evaluation investigates to what extent is the OD relevant in delivering effective development to IP, how it has been applied and whether it has achieved its objectives. It finds that: in some countries and regions there is insufficient ownership of the OD approach - in part because some of its features may not be aligned with domestic approaches towards protecting such vulnerable groups.Coherence with the application of other safeguard policies (for example, resettlement and environment) has proven to be a challenge. Harmonization with other multilateral agencies has also proved challenging.At the project-level, application of the OD was patchy suggesting insufficient attention to IP interests during loan preparation and implementation. However there was significant progress in the implementation of the OD in recent years due to the institutional and strategic changes since 1996. OED recommends that the Bank: clarify the intent, scope, and requirements of the revised OPdistinguish clearly between the safeguard (do no harm) aspects of the revised OP and its do good aspectsidentify indigenous and tribal groups in a manner consistent with the country’s legal framework. In countries where the legal framework does not meet the standards of the policy relating to coverage of IP, the Bank should ensure that IP are protected within the overall framework of its poverty reduction policies and establish a project-level system to monitor dis-aggregated impact on IP. In addition, the Bank should address the issue wherever appropriate in its country dialogueensure that in countries with significant IP populations the Country Director, in consultation with the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (ESSD) Network, engage the Borrower in discussions on how the Bank can best assist the country in providing culturally appropriate assistance to IPdesign regional and sub-regional strategies to implement the OP given the significant differences in circumstances faced by Bank staff in implementing the policy