22 USC 10605 - Safeguards and accountability

U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 05, 2025

§ 10605.

Safeguards and accountability

(a)

Safeguards

(b)

Independent accountability mechanism

(1)

In general

The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall establish a transparent and independent accountability mechanism, consistent with best practices, which shall provide—

(A)

a compliance review function that assesses whether Foundation-supported projects adhere to the requirements developed pursuant to subsection (a);

(B)

a dispute resolution function for resolving and remedying concerns between complainants and project implementers regarding the impacts of specific Foundation-supported projects with respect to such standards; and

(C)

an advisory function that reports to the Board on projects, policies, and practices.

(2)

Duties

The accountability mechanism shall—

(A)

report annually to the Board and the appropriate congressional committees regarding the Foundation’s compliance with best practices and standards in accordance with paragraph (1)(A) and the nature and resolution of any complaint;

(B)

(i)

have permanent staff, led by an independent accountability official, to conduct compliance reviews and dispute resolutions and perform advisory functions; and

(ii)

maintain a roster of experts to serve such roles, to the extent needed; and

(C)

hold a public comment period lasting not fewer than 60 days regarding the initial design of the accountability mechanism.

(c)

Internal accountability

(d)

Annual review

(Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title LI, § 5105, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2417.)

cite as: 22 USC 10605