ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) - AF3 ROC COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROJECT - ADDITIONAL FINANCING The Republic of Congo/Ministry of Health and Population RoC COVID-19 Emergency Response Project - Additional Financing 3 (P178126) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) Draft for negotiations May 2022 1|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) - AF3 ROC COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROJECT - ADDITIONAL FINANCING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Republic of Congo (hereinafter the Recipient) will implement additional activities under the RoC COVID-19 Emergency Response Project - Additional Financing 3 (P178126) with the involvement of the of Project implementation unit and the Ministry of Health and Population, as set out in the Financing Agreement. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association, acting as the administrator, has agreed to provide additional financing for the implementation of the additional activities under the Project, as set out in the referred agreement. This ESCP supersedes previous versions of the ESCP for the Project and shall apply both to the original and the additional financing for Project referred to above. 2. The Recipient shall ensure that the Project is carried out in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) and this Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), in a manner acceptable to the Association. The ESCP is a part of the Financing Agreement. Unless otherwise defined in this ESCP, capitalized terms used in this ESCP have the meanings ascribed to them in the referred agreement. 3. Without limitation to the foregoing, this ESCP sets out material measures and actions that the Recipient shall carry out or cause to be carried out, including, as applicable, the timeframes of the actions and measures, institutional, staffing, training, monitoring, and reporting arrangements, and grievance management. The ESCP also sets out the environmental and social (E&S) instruments that shall be adopted and implemented under the Project, all of which shall be subject to prior consultation and disclosure, consistent with the ESS, and in form and substance, and in a manner acceptable to the Association. Once adopted, said E&S instruments may be revised from time to time with prior written agreement by the Association. 4. As agreed by the Association and the Recipient, this ESCP will be revised from time to time if necessary, during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of Project changes and unforeseen circumstances or in response to Project performance. In such circumstances, the Recipient through the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Association agree to update the ESCP to reflect these changes through an exchange of letters signed between the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) / International Development Bank (IDA) and Ministry of Health and Population. The Recipient shall promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 2|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING: Quarterly throughout the Project PIU within the Ministry of Health and Prepare and submit to the Association regular implementation period, starting from the Population monitoring reports on the environmental, social, health Effective Date. Submit each report to the and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, including, Association no later than 7 days after the end but not limited to, the implementation of the ESCP, of each reporting period. status of preparation and implementation of the E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities and functioning of the grievance mechanism(s). B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS: Notify the Association no later than 48 hours PIU within the Ministry of Health and of learning about the incident or accident. Population Promptly notify the Association of any incident or accident related to the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers, Provide subsequent report to the Association including, inter alia, allegations of sexual exploitation and within a timeframe acceptable to the abuse (SEA), sexual harassment (SH) related to the Association. workplace, work-related accidents, Project related deaths, worker strikes and social unrest. Provide sufficient details regarding the scope, severity, and possible causes of incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken or that are planned to be taken to address it, and any information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate. For SEA/SH incidents, ensure confidentiality for the survivor and the alleged perpetrator. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Establish and maintain a separate PIU for the PIU within the Ministry of Health and COVID-19 project as set out in the Financing Population Establish and maintain for the parent project, the AF1, agreement including an Environmental the AF2 and the AF3, a separate Project Implementation specialist, a social specialist and a GBV Unit (PIU) with qualified staff and resources to support specialist and maintain these three positions the management of the ESHS risks and impacts of the throughout Project implementation. 3|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY project. This PIU will include an environmental specialist and a social specialist with expertise in GBV and gender. 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL AND INSTRUMENTS/ PIU within the Ministry of Health and CONTRACTORS Population a. Adopt and implement the Environmental and Social a. The ESMF of the parent project including Management Framework (ESMF) for the Project, AF 1, AF2, and AF3 has been updated, consistent with the relevant ESSs, the consulted, and disclosed before Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines appraisal. (EHSGs), and other relevant Good International Industry Practice (GIIP), including relevant WHO Thereafter, implement ESMF throughout guidelines. Project implementation. b. Adopt and implement any environmental and social management plans (e.g. health-care waste b. Adopt the relevant plans or instruments management plans), instruments or other measures before the carrying out of the relevant required for the respective Project activities in Project activities for which these are accordance with the ESMF, the ESS, the EHSGs, and required, and thereafter implement them other relevant Good International Industry Practice throughout the carrying out of such (GIIP), including relevant WHO guidelines to, inter activities. alia, ensure access to and allocation of Project benefits in a fair, equitable and inclusive manner, taking into account the needs of individuals or groups who, because of their particular circumstances, may be disadvantaged or vulnerable , including, with regards to vaccines. c. Incorporate the relevant ESHS measures into the procurement documents before launching the procurement process for c. Incorporate the relevant aspects of this ESCP, the relevant Project activities and including, inter alia, the ESMF, any environmental subsequent contracts, and thereafter and social management plans or other instruments, supervise compliance with these LMP, and any other required ESHS measures measures throughout the carrying out of (including relevant life and fire safety measures), such activities. into the ESHS specifications of the procurement documents and contracts with contractors and 4|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY supervising firms. Thereafter ensure that the Before the carrying out of the relevant contractors and supervising firms comply with the Project activities, and thereafter ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. implemented throughout the carrying out of such activities. Adopt and implement the LMP throughout Project implementation. d. Adopt and implement procedures, protocols and another measures throughout Project implementation d. Adopt procedures, protocols and/or other measures to ensure Project beneficiaries that receive vaccines e. Finalize and approve the PTBA (AWBP) by under the Project do so under a program that does project effectiveness with an adequate not include forced vaccination and is acceptable to budget for the implementation of the E&S the Association, as set out in the ESMF. Audit Action Plan e. Plan and Reflect in the Annual Work and budgeted Program (AWBP) under preparation adequate budget for the implementation of environmental and social measures and in particular these key actions from the Environmental and Social Audit conducted for the parent project, AF 1 and 2: 1- Recruit a communication officer. 1- End-August 2022 2-Strengthen communication and awareness 2- Throughout Project implementation raising. 3- Involve PIU E&S staffs in the development of the 3- Throughout Project implementation AWBP. 4- Finalize the elaboration of the PTBA 2022 and 4- June 2022 (by negocations) make a budgetary provision for the implementation of E&S measures. 5- Design/establish a strong grievance Redress 5- Before Project effectiveness Mechanism (GRM) with accessible procedures to 5|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ensure that the stakeholders can file complaints and that these will be addressed in a timely manner; Ensure that all stakeholders have access to information on the GRM and resolutions timeframe; Ensure that appropriate GRM procedures and staffing are in place to register, address and manage complaints within the defined timeframe; Train staff who will receive and manage complaints via the dedicated number; Make a budget provision for the acquisition of equipment (register, telephone credit, etc.) 6- Establish a GRM Action plan to address pending 6- July 2022 complaints. 7- Set up numéro vert to improve grievances 7- August 2022 uptake. 8- Strengthen the capacity of the specialist on 8- July 2022 GBV/SEAH issues. 9- Provide Budget in the AWBP/PTBA for 9- Throughout Project implementation implementation of the GBV Action. 10- Finalization and disclosure of the BMWMP. 10- By appraisal 11- Acquisition of 2 incinerators. 11- October 2022 12- Train staff on the risks associated with handling 12- Throughout Project implementation biomedical waste. 13- Procure and distribute appropriate and sufficient 13- October 2022 waste bins to Health Units. 14- Organize regular site visits/mission to track, 14- Throughout Project implementation monitor and report on implementation performance. 15- Identify all volunteers/Agents staff, ensure they 15- Starting in July and Throughout are regularized with signed contract with the PCU, and Project implementation paid salary or stipend as agreed in the contract. 16- Ensure that the three E&S staff members (an 16- Immediately and Throughout Project environment specialist, a social specialist and a GBV implementation specialist) already in place are totally dedicated to the COVID-19 Project and maintain in place throughout project implementation. 6|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.3 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Throughout Project implementation. PIU within the Ministry of Health and All consultancies, studies (including feasibility studies, if Population applicable), capacity building, training and any other technical assistance under the Project shall be carried out in accordance with terms of reference acceptable to the Association, that are consistent with the ESSs. Thereafter ensure that the outputs of such activities comply with the terms of reference Likewise, all acquisition of tools and equipment as part of the Project when relevant, shall be conducted in accordance with the ESSs. ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT: The LMP of the parent project including AF 1, PIU within the Ministry of Health and Adopt and implement the Labor Management AF2, and AF3 has been updated, consulted, Population Procedures (LMP) for the Project, including, inter alia, and disclosed before appraisal. provisions on working conditions, management of workers relationships, occupational health and safety (including personal protective equipment, and Thereafter, implement LMP throughout emergency preparedness and response), code of Project implementation. conduct (including relating to SEA and SH), forced labor, child labor, grievance arrangements for Project workers, and applicable requirements for contractors, subcontractors, and supervising firms. ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1. The Recipient is committed to developing and The BMWMP will be consulted and disclosed PIU within the Ministry of Health and implementing measures and actions to manage waste before appraisal. Population and hazardous materials. These measures must be clearly defined in environmental and social instruments 7|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY such as: the ESMF according to the World Bank's ESS 3 Ensure that adequate budget provision each and regulatory provisions described in the Congo year for implementation BMWMP is provided environmental code. Particular attention will be paid to throughout Project implementation collection, packaging, transportation, disposal/destruction of sanitary and biomedical waste in in compliance with regulatory provisions. A Biomedical Waste Management Plan (BMWMP) that includes WHO guidelines and other Good International Industry Practices (GIIP) prepared under the Additional financing 2 was updated to ensure health care wastes (including, vaccines) and other types of hazardous and non- hazardous wastes are adequately manage and dispose. The project will fill the gap not covered by UNDP/FM, especially for Brazzaville and Pointe Noire ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1. COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY Throughout Project implementation. PIU within the Ministry of Health and Relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as Population needed, under action 1.2 above including, inter alia, measures to: minimize the potential for community exposure to communicable diseases; establish and implement appropriate quality management systems to manage the risks and the impacts that services provided and activities carried out under the Project may have on community health and safety; manage the risks of the use of security personnel; manage the risks of labor influx; and prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment; prepare and respond to fire emergencies in health care facilities, alternate COVID-19 health care facilities, and/o refurbished buildings, if applicable. 4.2. LIFE AND FIRE SAFETY (L&FS) a. Incorporate the relevant L&FS and other PIU within the Ministry of Health and provisions (including EHSG), as relevant, in the Population a. Carry out rehabilitation of new existing health care ESMF, plans, and the ESHS specifications of facilities , and alternate COVID-19 health care the procurement documents and respective facilities and refurbished buildings, if applicable, contracts, in the timeframes specified in under the Project in accordance with the relevant action 1.2. a), b), and c) above. Engage or 8|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY provisions on life and fire safety (L&FS) as set out in appoint the L&FS professional before the ESMF, the General EHSGs, and the ESSs, launching any bidding for the design of including, through engaging a qualified L&FS construction and/or rehabilitation of a facility professional with terms of reference and experience and/or building, as applicable, and maintain acceptable to the [World Bank/Bank/Association], this professional to carry out all the tasks who shall, inter alia: assigned in accordance with the terms of reference. i. Prepare a L&FS Master Plan before the design for the rehabilitation of a facility. b. Incorporate the relevant L&FS provisions (including EHSGs), as relevant, in the ESMF, ii. Certify that the design for rehabilitation of the plans, and the ESHS specifications of the respective facility and/or building meets the procurement documents and respective requirements of the said L&FS Master Plan; and contracts, in the timeframes specified in action 1.2. a), b), and c) above. Engage or iii. Conduct a review of the L&FS systems as part of the appoint the L&FS professional before testing and commissioning of such systems and launching any bidding for purchase and certify that the construction of such systems has installation of a facility, as applicable, and been carried out in accordance with the accepted maintain this professional to carry out all the design. tasks assigned in accordance with the terms of reference. b. Carry out the purchase and installation of modular alternate COVID19 health care facilities under the Project in accordance with the relevant provisions on L&FS, as set out in the ESMF, the General EHSGs, and the ESSs, including, inter alia, a fire risk and performance assessment, adequate design, construction and installation of L&FS systems, and measures to manage L&FS risks (including on passive and active fire protection measures, fire alarm system that includes oxygen detention), as appropriate. To this end, engage a qualified L&FS professional with terms of reference and experience acceptable to the Bank/Association. 9|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 4.3 SEA AND SH RISKS: Implement the stand-alone Gender- A GBV Action Plan of the parent project PIU within the Ministry of Health and Based Violence Action Plan (GBV Action Plan), to assess including AF 1, AF2, and AF3 has been Population and manage the risks of gender-based violence (GBV), updated, consulted, and disclosed before sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and Sexual appraisal. Harassment (SH). Thereafter, implement GBV Action Plan throughout Project implementation. 4.4 SECURITY PERSONNEL: Throughout Project implementation PIU within the Ministry of Health and If security personnel are engaged to manage security Population challenges, ensure that the following measures are adopted and carried out in accordance with the ESSs: a. Assess the risks and impacts of engagement of the security personnel, as part of the assessment referred to in action 1.2 a) above, and implement measures to manage such risks and impacts, guided by the principles of proportionality and GIIP, and by applicable law, in relation to hiring, rules of conduct, training, equipping, and monitoring of such security personnel. b. Adopt and enforce standards, protocols, and codes of conduct for the selection and use of security personnel and screen such personnel to verify that they have not engaged in past unlawful or abusive behavior, including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment (SH) or excessive use of force. c. Ensure that the security personnel is adequately instructed and trained, prior to development and on a regular basis, on the use of force and appropriate conduct (including in relation to civilian-security engagement, SEA and SH, and other relevant areas), as set out in the Environmental and Social Management Framework. 10 | P a g e ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY d. Ensure that the stakeholder engagement activities under the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) include a communication strategy on the involvement of security personnel under the Project. e. Ensure that any concerns or grievances regarding the conduct of security personnel are received, monitored, documented (considering the need to protect confidentiality), resolved through the Project’s grievance mechanism (see action 10.2 below) and reported to the Association no later than 14 days after being received. ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 Not relevant. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 Not relevant to the project. No adverse impacts on natural resources or biodiversity are anticipated as a result of project activities. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES 7.1. MEASURES FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES throughout the Project implementation PIU within the Ministry of Health and Population Ensure that the Project is carried out in accordance with the applicable requirements of ESS7, including, inter alia: (i) ensuring that the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) includes meaningful consultations with indigenous peoples throughout Project implementation; (ii) implementing procedures, protocols and/or other measures to ensure that indigenous peoples have access to Project benefits in an fair, equitable, inclusive and culturally appropriate manner, including, as relevant, with regards to vaccines, as set out in the ESMF and the SEP; and (iii) implementing measures to ensure that indigenous peoples are able to access the Project’s grievance mechanism in a culturally appropriate manner. 11 | P a g e ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 7.2 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PLAN: The Recipient The IPPF of the parent project including AF 1, PIU within the Ministry of Health and shall adopt the Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework AF2, and AF3 has been updated, consulted, Population (IPPF) for the Project that was prepared, consulted, and and disclosed before appraisal. disclosed before Project's appraisal. The IPPF Shall contain guidelines and requirements to carry out social Thereafter, implement IPPF throughout assessment and prepare, as appropriate, a stand-alone Project implementation. Indigenous Peoples Plan as needed The IPPF shall outline basic key principles and procedures to be applied to ensure that indigenous peoples/communities that are present in the Project’s area are culturally appropriate consulted and can participate in the Project's benefits. 7.3 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM Outreach to IPs included in the SEP and PIU within the Ministry of Health and detailed in the GM (including SEA/SH Population Any grievances that may subsequently arise during specific GM), prepared prior to the project implementation among IPs/SSHUTLC shall project effective date be addressed through the overall project GM described in the SEP. The SEP shall also contain outreach measures to ensure IPs receive information in timely and culturally appropriate ways to ensure they are aware of project opportunities and risks linked to human capital activities ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 Not relevant. ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 9,1 Not relevant. ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION The SEP of the parent project including AF 1, PIU within the Ministry of Health and AND IMPLEMENTATION: AF2, and AF3 has been updated, consulted, Population A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), including COVID- and disclosed before appraisal. 19 provisions, for the Project, was prepared. This SEP shall govern the engagement of Project stakeholders during Project implementation, and it shall be regularly The SEP shall be implemented throughout the updated (and redisclosed) as needed, all in accordance Project implementation period considering with ESS10 and in a manner acceptable to the COVID-19 provisions. Association. 12 | P a g e ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY Adopt and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for the Project, consistent with ESS10, which shall include measures to, inter alia, provide stakeholders with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, and consult with them in a culturally appropriate manner, which is free of manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation. 10.2 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: Establish, Establish, maintain, and operationalize GRM PIU within the Ministry of Health and disclosed, maintain, and operate an accessible procedures and Action Plan to address any Population grievance redress mechanism, to receive and facilitate pending complaints by the project resolution of concerns and grievances in relation to the effectiveness. Project, promptly and effectively, in a transparent Maintain GRM throughout project activities. manner that is culturally appropriate and readily accessible to all Project-affected parties, at no cost and without retribution, including concerns and grievances filed anonymously, in a manner consistent with ESS10. The grievance mechanism shall be equipped to receive, register, and facilitate the resolution of SEA/SH complaints, including through the referral of survivors to relevant gender-based violence service providers, all in a safe, confidential, and survivor-centered manner. The grievance mechanism shall also receive, register, and address concerns arising from unintended health consequences after vaccination especially those resulting in serious adverse effects. Establish Action Plan within the GRM protocol to address any pending complaints that that might result from the E&S Audit report 13 | P a g e ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) – [name] Project MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) CS1 Ministry of Health and Population and PIU management Within two months after Project PIU within the Ministry of Health and and technical and administrative staff/consultants effectiveness, during Project's Population responsible for the Project to receive training on the implementation, and periodically with the Project’s ESHS plans and instruments, fair, equitable and addition of new Project team members join inclusive access and allocation of Project benefits the Project throughout implementation. [including with regards to vaccines], and the roles and responsibilities of different key agencies in the ESCP implementation. shall be trained on the Association Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Training topics are included in the ESMF. 14 | P a g e