Accountability Mechanisms Research Articles

An evaluative framework for inclusive agricultural value chain policies and interventions – Case: Mali

Advancing food security requires multi-level and inclusive approaches. This article presents a novel framework to (E) evaluate the social inclusiveness of policies and interventions (PIs) towards (V) vulnerable social groups in (A) agricultural value chains. The EVA-framework is applicable to any value chain, geography and vulnerable group. We apply it to the irrigated vegetable value chain of Mali, analyzing the social inclusiveness of weighted PIs towards women and youth. We find that respective PI formulation in Mali is largely not inclusive. Only few PIs set specific targets, quotas or a financial budget for women and youth inclusion. To be inclusive PIs need to consult targeted social groups, include clear targets, budgets, and accountability mechanisms, and be monitored and evaluated.

Exploring the Impact of Political Patronage Networks on Financial Stability: Lebanon’s 2019 Economic Crisis

Amid Lebanon’s multifaceted economic crisis, this paper explores the intricate dynamics between political patronage networks and financial stability. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of New Institutional Economics (NIE) and Project Management (PM), the study delves into how entrenched political elites and patronage networks have shaped Lebanon’s financial system, exacerbating vulnerabilities and perpetuating the ongoing crisis. Utilizing qualitative methods including in-depth interviews, document analysis, and case studies, the research illuminates the pivotal role of political actors and their vested interests in economic policies and financial institutions. The findings reveal systemic governance failures, crony capitalism, and institutional decay as underlying causes of Lebanon’s economic stress. In response, the paper proposes a comprehensive framework for governance reform that integrates insights from NIE and PM, emphasizing structured planning, accountability mechanisms, and institutional strengthening. The purpose of this study is not only to contribute to a nuanced understanding of Lebanon’s challenges but also to offer actionable insights for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders to address the root causes of the crisis and pave the way for sustainable economic recovery and revitalization.

Examining the Integration of Responsible AI Principles in Social Media Marketing for Digital Health: A Theoretical Analysis

This study explores the integration of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) principles into social media marketing strategies within the digital health sector. With the proliferation of digital health platforms and the growing use of AI technologies in marketing, ensuring ethical practices is paramount. By examining the application of responsible AI principles in this context, this research aims to address concerns related to privacy, fairness, transparency, and accountability. Through a comprehensive analysis of current practices and emerging trends, this study highlights the importance of balancing marketing objectives with ethical considerations to promote trust and engagement among users. Key aspects include leveraging AI algorithms for personalized content delivery while safeguarding user data, implementing transparent AI-driven decision-making processes, and establishing mechanisms for accountability and user empowerment. This investigation offers valuable insights for marketers, policymakers, and stakeholders in navigating the evolving landscape of digital health marketing while upholding ethical standards and fostering positive user experiences. Key Words: Responsible AI, Social Media Marketing, Digital Health, Ethical Practices, Transparency

Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Policy in Chicago Public Schools.

In 2013, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district passed a policy requiring schools to deliver comprehensive sexual health education (SHE) to all K-12th grade students. A performance improvement case study was conducted in the 2019-2020 school year to evaluate the implementation of the policy and identify lessons learned to support implementation in schools. Key informant interviews were conducted with 11 school principals and 29 teachers to discuss SHE implementation at their school. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to assess school and classroom factors that affect implementation. Themes that cut across these factors were then identified and summarized by 2 evaluators. The following themes were identified across key informant interviews: (a) principal prioritization of SHE helps ensure SHE is implemented, (b) the expansion of school and teacher capacity facilitates SHE implementation, and (c) the creation of accountability mechanisms in classrooms and schools fosters adherence to SHE policy. Principals play a crucial role in building capacity to deliver SHE and ensuring SHE accountability mechanisms are implemented in their school. CPS is using these findings to adjust technical assistance and resources provided to principals and SHE instructors.

AKUNTABILITAS PENGELOLAAN WAKAF PADA BAITUL MAAL HIDAYATULLAH PROVINSI BENGKULU

Accountability is important for a waqf management institution. There arevarious ways an institution can demonstrate accountability. This study aims to describethe practice of the accountability of waqf management at Baitul Maal HidayatullahBengkulu. This type of research is a qualitative research with descriptive qualitativeresearch type. This study focuses on 5 accountability mechanisms, namely reportingand disclosure, performance appraisal and evaluation, participation, self-regulation andsocial auditing.The results show that in reporting and disclosure, the financial statements ofwaqf use PSAK 109 and are consolidated with the central Baitul Maal Hidayatullah,data recording of waqf assets in the form of immovable assets is submitted to thedepartment of waqf assets and reports are submitted through various media. In theperformance appraisal and evaluation accountability mechanism, Baitul MaalHidayatullah carries out an evaluation once a month and uses Key PerformanceIndicators as performance appraisal indicators. In the participatory accountabilitymechanism, Baitul Maal Hidayatullah management publishes program plans throughvarious media, involves observers in the implementation of the waqf program, involvesall administrators in institutional decision making. In the self-regulation accountabilitymechanism, the Baitul Maal Hidayatullah administrators provide rewards andpunishments to improve the performance of the management and consult with theRegional Leadership Council and the central Baitul Maal Hidayatullah in resolving waqfproblems. In the social audit accountability mechanism, the management of Baitul MaalHidayatullah provides special media for community aspirations, plays a role in helpingsocial problems and is already responsible for the waqf mandated by the supervisor.

Sue the Police: The Role of Civil Liability in Addressing Indigenous Harms in Custody

The persistent crisis of Indigenous deaths and harms in custody can be understood as a crisis of accountability – the predictable result of ongoing systemic failures to hold police and prison officials responsible for the harms suffered by Indigenous people in their care. This article considers the role of civil liability as a mechanism of such accountability, drawing on a range of case examples involving both individual and class actions. It outlines potential avenues for suing police for harms suffered in custody, as well as the legal, financial, and logistical hurdles faced by would-be plaintiffs. It also analyses how vicarious liability can either undermine or support the accountability impacts of liability. Reflecting on lessons from other jurisdictions, it argues that while civil actions may bring reparations for individuals and their families, targeted reforms are necessary for civil liability to function as a mechanism of accountability and thereby drive meaningful, systemic change.

Legislation for advancing women’s leadership in the health sector in India and Kenya: a ‘law cube’ approach to identify ways to strengthen legal environments for gender equality

ObjectivesThis paper examines the availability of legal provisions, or the lack thereof, that support women to progress equitably into leadership positions within the health workforce in India and Kenya.MethodsWe adapted...

The Importance of Legal Accountability in Negligence and Mental Health Care

Legal accountability in mental health care is increasingly gaining recognition in human rights discourse. Negligence is one accountability mechanism that can provide compensation, but has been criticised for failing to deliver justice. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (Vic), along with immunity provisions for clinicians who act in good faith, have shone the spotlight on whether current mechanisms are effective accountability measures. Analysis of authorities suggests that clinicians and health authorities will ordinarily be protected from liability when clinical decisions are made that are consistent with mental health legislation. Yet clinicians often misunderstand the concept of ‘duty of care’ and use it as an extra-legal power to control. Using a fictional vignette, this article addresses the tensions and dilemmas that exist in tort law and mental health care. Our analysis lends itself to two solutions: the need for effective training and the promise of no-fault insurance schemes.

Politicization of Humanitarian Aid Allocations by Global Donors and Implications on Selected Non-Governmental Organisations’ Performance in Nigeria

Organisations that focus on humanitarian concerns usually rely on voluntary donations and largesse from multiple ends, without which their operations cannot be implemented. The premise of the paper was established on the fact that humanitarian aid is ultimately complemented by humanitarian funding, which is in itself reliant on donors from multiple ends. As a result of this, it has become difficult to divorce the political nature of the influence of donors’ interests in the allocation and focus of the humanitarian funding offered. This has resulted in a dilemma. The study focused on the issue of the politicization of humanitarian funding and how it affects the delivery of humanitarian aid in selected non-governmental organisations in Nigeria. Using a qualitative approach, 10 participants, working with different NGOs in Nigeria and occupying different positions, were recruited to derive data on the topic. Semi-structured interviews were utilised. The data obtained were analysed via thematic analysis to decode the data and derive recurrent themes from it. The results of the study showed that there is a consensus among the participants on the virtually inevitable role of politics in the acquisition and subsequent distribution of humanitarian funding to address issues related to conflicts and disasters among diverse communities across Nigeria. This often negates the principle of independence and autonomy that NGOs should work by where, in most cases, the acceptance of humanitarian funding from donors often leaves their hands tied. The study offered recommendations along the lines of creating mechanisms of transparency and accountability from both donors and recipient NGOs, having local NGOs seek support from their communities to be more involved in humanitarian missions, and heightened collaboration between humanitarian actors to make funding easier, more effective, and less politicized.

Assessing the inaction of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in Myanmar and Gaza Amidst Atrocity Crimes

The global community's failure to prevent severe human rights violations, such as the Rwanda Genocide and Yugoslavian atrocities, led to the development of the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) doctrine, adopted by the UN in 2005. R2P aims to shield populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Despite its promise, R2P's implementation is hindered by geopolitical interests and power dynamics. To address ongoing atrocities, it is essential to strengthen international accountability mechanisms and prioritize civilian protection, ensuring such violations are neither tolerated nor inevitable.

Penerapan Hukum Administrasi Negara dalam Membangun Pemerintahan yang Baik

This study examines the application of administrative law in establishing good governance. The background of this research is rooted in the increasing demand for transparent, accountable, and effective governance to address public administration challenges. The research question focuses on how administrative law can be effectively implemented to foster good governance practices. Using a qualitative approach, this study employs document analysis and in-depth interviews with legal experts and government officials to gather comprehensive insights. The results indicate that robust administrative legal frameworks significantly enhance governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of continuous legal reforms and capacity-building initiatives to address existing gaps and challenges. The conclusion of this study asserts that the effective application of administrative law is crucial in achieving good governance, as it provides a structured mechanism for oversight and accountability. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on governance reforms by offering practical recommendations for policymakers and administrators to strengthen legal frameworks and governance practices.

Legal challenges of regulating cross-border nuclear pollution from ship ballast water under the background of fukushima wastewater release and China’s response

The Japanese government has initiated plans to release water contaminated The international community has yet to fully recognize the accelerated spread of nuclear-contaminated water through ship ballast water along the Japanese route. This increases the risk of nuclear exposure for crew members and poses ecological and environmental contamination risks to port waters, inland seas, and rivers. The lack of international attention to the marine nuclear safety crisis caused by nuclear pollution from ballast water, along with the absence of corresponding legal prevention and control mechanisms and technical safeguards, remains a critical issue. From the perspective of international law, preventing the spread of Fukushima wastewater through ship ballast water faces numerous legal challenges, including disputes over the applicability of conventions, the jurisdiction of international organizations, and mechanisms for cross-border accountability for marine nuclear pollution. As a major shipping nation adjacent to Japan, China faces significant risks of nuclear pollution from ballast water along the Japanese route. To counter such risks, it is recommended to propose measures through the International Maritime Organization to elevate international attention. Moreover, refining ballast water regulatory frameworks, establishing monitoring and warning mechanisms specific to nuclear pollution from ballast water, improving the technical capabilities of ballast water treatment systems, and promoting international cooperation in monitoring marine environments and preventing pollution are also advisable.

Examining the influence of international organizations in globalizing education policy in Kuwait: a qualitative study

PurposeGlobalization, and more specifically international organizations, has had a major effect upon national education systems worldwide. Understandably, the academic literature covering this phenomenon has expanded at a prolific rate. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by examining how the international organizations affect global education policy, as seen via the lens of a Kuwaiti context.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative data collection approach using semi-structured interviews with 27 key figures involved in policymaking at national educational institutions in Kuwait. Each interview was coded for recurring themes.FindingsThree main themes emerged from data analysis: (1) policy adoption and reformulation, (2) curriculum and pedagogical changes and (3) evaluation and accountability mechanisms. This study’s findings demonstrated that globalization processes and international organizations have profoundly affected Kuwait’s national educational policies.Originality/valueThis research forms the foundation for further investigations into how international organizations have affected national and subnational educational decision-making and reforms.

Unveiling the Utilization, Reporting, and Accountability of Village Fund Allocation

This study delves into the utilization, reporting, and accountability of Village Fund Allocation in Panciro Village. Adopting a phenomenological approach, data were collected through budget realization reports and interviews with village officials. The results reveal that Panciro Village adheres sufficiently to financial management protocols, as evidenced by proper documentation in the cash book and timely submission of reports to higher authorities. However, while current accountability mechanisms are functional, the abstract lacks an in-depth exploration of the specific strategies employed and the challenges faced in ensuring transparency and preventing fund misappropriation. Moreover, the abstract would benefit from contextualizing the findings through comparative analysis with neighboring villages or national standards. Additionally, future research could involve longitudinal studies to evaluate the sustainability of the implemented accountability measures and their long-term impact on village development.

The paradox of growing technical capacities with low global governance: a review of Voluntary National Reviews’ SDG health-related indicators

BackgroundThis study delves into the States’ accountability for health-related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators from 2016 to 2020. An analysis of Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) is employed as an instrument to scrutinize the alignment of States’ indicators with the global indicator framework, shedding light on global health governance within the context of the 2030 Agenda and States’ strategic prioritization. A curation of 60 health-related indicators from 195 VNRs, produced during the aforementioned period, is organized into thematic groups.ResultsOur results highlight a concerning discrepancy in the reporting frequency of various health-related themes. The findings reveal a paradoxical coexistence characterized by the concurrent strengthening and diminution of the global health governance articulated in the Agenda’s global health governance. This manifests in the increased utilization and consistency of health-related indicators over the study years, coupled with an emphasis on infectious diseases and child and maternal health indicators. Conversely, a discernible governance decline is evidenced by the inadequate representation of health-related indicators in VNRs, notably within the domains of universal health coverage and health system indicators. Furthermore, High-Income States exhibit diminished accountability.ConclusionsThe VNRs unveil a paradox wherein burgeoning technical capacity coexists with governance deficits, a phenomenon attributable to both statistical capabilities and political preferences. The prevalent use of proxy indicators in VNRs oversimplifies the presentation of official indicators, thereby compromising the aspirational goal of pioneering statistical innovations for measuring intricate issues in the SDGs. In light of our conceptualization of the 2030 Agenda’s global health as a regime complex governance, we advocate for comprehensive investigations into each health regime cluster. This approach aims to unravel disputes, discern patterns, and elucidate States’ preferences concerning specific thematic areas. Functioning as an accountability mechanism for the Agenda’s governance, VNRs underscore States’ adaptability and short-term learning capabilities, offering valuable insights for identifying harmful goal prioritization. The discretionary nature of indicator selection by States in the VNRs, enabled by the Agenda’s proposition of a contextual adaptation of the SDGs and a blind eye to the guideline’s request to review all SDG indicators, highlights a critical flaw in the VNR as an accountability mechanism.

Conceptual and Juridical Review of the Destruction of Cultural Property in the Ukraine - Russia War

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has witnessed numerous war crimes, notably the destruction of cultural property belonging to Ukraine, despite international protections afforded to such sites. This paper undertakes a conceptual and juridical review of the protection of cultural property during armed conflict, specifically examining its application in the context of the Ukraine-Russia war. Employing a doctrinal research method, the study elucidates the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage, which is deemed a global inheritance. The analysis emphasizes the provisions outlined in the 1954 Hague Convention, which governs the protection of cultural property, and explores the respective responsibilities of Ukraine and Russia in addressing instances of cultural destruction. By evaluating these legal frameworks and their application, this research contributes to understanding the obligations and challenges related to preserving cultural heritage amidst contemporary armed conflicts, advocating for adherence to international norms and facilitating mechanisms for resolution and accountability.

A Study on the Protection of Litigation Rights in Electronic Service of Process

Electronic service of process is a crucial foundation of digital rule of law. However, its development is significantly hindered by recipients’ limited understanding, weak litigation capabilities, and malicious abuse of procedural rights. This paper analyzes issues such as the weakened protection of recipients’ right to be informed, the difficulty of enforcing their right to defense, and the lack of effective channels for exercising their right to remedy. To address these challenges, the paper proposes enhancing the operability of electronic service, strengthening the notification and explanation of rights to recipients, and allowing unilateral application of electronic service to incentivize its selection. It also suggests tailoring electronic service according to litigation procedures, case types, and parties involved, to ensure recipients’ reasonable exercise of procedural rights. Additionally, the paper advocates for granting recipients the right to challenge electronic service and establishing clear accountability and sanctions mechanisms to improve access to remedies. From the perspective of litigation rights protection, this study explores the balance between procedural justice and litigation efficiency, aiming to achieve digital justice in electronic service procedures.

Media coverage of sexual violence by police in colonial contexts: an explorative study

ABSTRACT When facing the inadequacy of the legal system, an initial impulse is to turn to non-legal accountability mechanisms, like the media. This research contends that the latter can also exhibit strong limitations. More precisely, the paper investigates how journalists shaped the Val-d’Or ‘crisis’. These events consisted of allegations of police (sexual) violence, mainly against Indigenous women, and were disclosed to the public by the media in 2015. This research relies on qualitative interviews with journalists and members of civil society. While participants confirmed the media’s capacity to bring allegations into the public sphere, they also decried the dismissal of some narratives, including the colonial context and the focus on one police force (i.e. the Sûreté du Québec) as opposed to police violence, as well as the revictimization of media informants. This exploratory study cautions that mediatic input can harm victims and prevent a complete comprehension of police sexual violence by silencing the role of settler colonialism.

Research on the Measures and Cost Benefits of Corporate Governance

Corporate governance is an important mechanism for protecting and promoting the interests of shareholders and promoting the healthy development of the companies. Corporate governance is a framework and principle of the internal organization management that aims to balance power among different stakeholders and to safeguard stakeholders' interests. Enterprises at different levels need effective corporate governance to maintain the positive development of the enterprise. Therefore, this paper analyzes corporate governance in firms through qualitative and theoretical analyses with the aim of exploring the measures that generate corporate governance, the costs, and benefits of these measures, and to make recommendations to improve corporate governance. Enterprises need to establish independent director accountability mechanisms to strengthen the regulatory awareness of the enterprise in the face of the problems of corporate governance. Meanwhile, it needs to establish incentive mechanism to encourage, optimize the equity structure and sound managerial market to help enterprises improve the management mechanism.

Governance and legal considerations supporting prehospital emergency care in low and middle-income countries—For the Special Series on Prehospital Care in LMICs

The global imperative to expand prehospital emergency care in low and middle-income countries to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for time-sensitive health conditions is well established in academic literature and public policy discussions. However, the governance and legal frameworks essential for the strategic development of prehospital systems remain understudied and inadequately addressed. This paper delves into the critical role of governance in prehospital systems, emphasizing its impact on equity, human rights, and the provision of timely, quality emergency care.Health system governance, defined as a complex interplay of mechanisms, processes, and institutions, is a neglected yet pivotal component of prehospital care. By highlighting previously described barriers, we underscore the opportunity to strengthen prehospital care through improved governance, particularly in leadership and legislative standards. Drawing on the World Health Organization’s Health System Building Blocks and the Emergency Care System Framework, we elucidate the multifaceted nature of governance in the prehospital context, including the coordination of diverse stakeholders, the establishment of standards, and the creation of accountability mechanisms. We emphasize the importance of applying a human rights perspective to governance, ensuring non-discriminatory and timely access to emergency care. Through the application of an established governance framework of 10 principles to assess prehospital system governance, we offer policymakers and stakeholders a structured approach to identify weaknesses, propose solutions, and evaluate progress in the prehospital system.To provide practical insights, we present a contemporary case study of Ghana’s National Ambulance Service Act and the Health Institutions and Facilities Act of 2011, which establish a structured approach to governance and oversight while reflecting Ghana’s commitment to advancing emergency care yet faces common challenges to operationalizing the laws.We advocate for a renewed focus on governance as an essential building block for effective prehospital emergency care. By providing a comprehensive framework and case study analysis, the paper offers actionable insights to guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing and evaluating governance initiatives that improve the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of prehospital care globally.