"International Law and the World Bank's Conflict Resolution System" discussed at the InfoShop on March 29, 2007, 12:00 noon in JB1-080

InfoShop  and  World Bank Group Staff Association
Invite you to a panel discussion on

International Law and the World Bank's Conflict Resolution System

International conventions establish that a minimum standard for due process
before the law provides access to a competent, independent and impartial
tribunal in the determination of a person?s rights, the right to an appeal and
to legal representation.  World Bank and UN anti-corruption programs that
address this issue also recognize an independent judiciary as the cornerstone of
the rule of law in any setting.  But like all intergovernmental organizations,
the World Bank itself suffers from a structural conflict of interest in matters
of internal justice.  Because the Bank enjoys sovereign immunity in labor and
employment disputes, this shortcoming is especially critical.  The internal
justice system at the Bank lacks organizational independence and as a result, in
a dispute, management can easily become both the defendant and the judge.

This panel will explore the issues that must be addressed by an effective reform
of the Conflict Resolution System, drawing on recommendations made by
specialists in international law.  The need to establish a fair, autonomous and
credible justice system to which staff members may appeal for relief is
increasingly pressing.  Panelists will discuss questions of confidentiality in
investigations, whistleblower and witness protection, and the ways in which an
autonomous and impartial hearing can be established even when the justice system
is internal to an institution.

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Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm
World Bank J Building - JB1- 080 (701 18th St. NW corner of 18th St. and
Pennsylvania Ave. - Lower Level)
All Non-Bank Staff must RSVP to Infoshopevents@worldbank.org
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Chaired by
Alison Cave
World Bank Group Staff Association Chair
Alison Cave is in her third year as Chair of the World Bank Group Staff
Association, which is dedicated to promote and safeguard the rights, interests
and welfare of WBG staff.  She has worked on staff rights and improving the
internal justice system during most of her 13 years at the World Bank.  An urban
planner by training, she focuses on governance issues, particularly
decentralization and the effective involvement of civil society in urban
government.

Discussed by
Beatrice Edwards
International Program Director, Government Accountability Project
Beatrice Edwards works toward effective whistleblower protection policies and
internal justice systems at intergovernmental organizations.  She has also
served as a Senior Specialist for Social and Economic Affairs at the
Organization of American States.
Thad Guyer
Attorney, Washington, D.C.
Thad Guyer, a specialist in international litigation.  Mr. Guyer is an attorney
in private practice who has argued successfully numerous cases at the United
Nations Appeals Tribunals, the World Bank and Multi-Lateral Development Banks
Tribunals.  He has also served as an attorney at the United Nations War Crimes
Tribunal.  Mr. Guyer was formerly the General Counsel and Litigation Director at
the Government Accountability Project.
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About the InfoShop
The InfoShop is the public information center and development bookstore of the
World Bank.  It functions as the only publicly accessible space at headquarters,
providing internal and external audiences access to over 6000 titles published
by the World Bank, other international organizations, and other publishers on
development issues.  It is a space where information and documents on World Bank
development operations, economic data, and strategies, can be read easily and
comfortably at workstations designed for public use.  In addition, the InfoShop
hosts book launches, exhibits, seminars, receptions, and other community
outreach events, and also carries videos, posters, CD-ROMs, and gift items.
For more information, visit: www.worldbank.org/infoshop