Debating accountability, 2001

01/09/2001

Defining what is meant by "quality" is surprisingly difficult. Does quality go with the idea of what is unique as for an artistic masterpiece? Or is it measured by its compliance with a set of norms and standards? Or does it have to do with the perception we have of it: is "quality" actually in the eye of the beholder? The same is true for "accountability" which is strangely difficult to express in many languages, especially in French, where a whole sentence is necessary to translate its meaning. Despite these difficulties, the idea of making humanitarian action accountable - to donors and recipients - is gaining ground.