By Dr. Saman Shali           (Part 5)

Combating corruption is crucial for governments, organizations, and societies worldwide. Corruption undermines economic development, erodes trust in institutions, and hampers social progress. The Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) took steps to combat the corruption. It is a slow process, but these are positive moves in the right direction. Here are key strategies and measures to combat corruption effectively:

1. Strong Legal Framework:

• Enact comprehensive anti-corruption laws that cover bribery, embezzlement, extortion, money laundering, and other corrupt practices.
• Ensure that these laws are enforced consistently and impartially.

2. Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies:

• Establish independent agencies or commissions with the authority to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
• Ensure the agencies are adequately funded and staffed.

3. Whistleblower Protection:

• Implement laws and mechanisms to protect whistleblowers who report corruption.
• Guarantee confidentiality and immunity for whistleblowers.

4. Transparency and Open Data:

• Promote transparency in government operations, budgets, and procurement processes.
• Publish government data, contracts, and financial information online for public scrutiny.

5. Accountability and Oversight:

• Strengthen the role of oversight bodies, such as audit institutions and parliamentary committees, to monitor government spending and activities.
• Encourage civil society organizations to play an active role in holding government accountable.

6. Ethical Leadership:

• Promote a culture of ethics and integrity within government and organizations.
• Encourage leaders to set a strong example by adhering to ethical standards.

7. Asset Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Rules:

• Public officials must disclose their assets and financial interests to identify potential conflicts.
• Establish mechanisms to verify and monitor these disclosures.

8. Effective Law Enforcement:

• Train law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases effectively.
• Ensure that prosecutors and judges are free from political interference.

9. Education and Awareness:

• Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the adverse effects of corruption.
• Include anti-corruption education in school curricula.

10. International Cooperation:

• Collaborate with international organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other countries to combat transnational corruption.
• Participate in international anti-corruption conventions like the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

11. Corporate Responsibility:

• Encourage businesses to adopt and implement anti-corruption policies and codes of conduct.
• Promote due diligence in supply chains to prevent corrupt practices.

12. Use of Technology:

• Employ technology, such as e-procurement systems and digital record-keeping, to reduce opportunities for corruption.
• Implement online reporting and complaint systems.

13. Swift and Severe Penalties:

• Impose severe penalties on individuals and organizations found guilty of corruption.
• Confiscate assets acquired through corrupt means.
• Publish their names.

14. Political Will and Leadership:

• Demonstrate political will to combat corruption from the highest levels of government.
• Encourage leaders to lead by example and prioritize anti-corruption efforts.

15. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Involve independent experts and civil society organizations in evaluations.

16. Promote a Culture of Integrity:

• Foster a culture within society that values integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior.
• Encourage businesses and organizations to adopt ethical corporate cultures.

A free judiciary, away from the dominance of political parties, ensures the success of the anti-corruption process at all its stages in the public and private sectors in the region, including publishing the names of the corrupt, regardless of their positions in the government, to serve as an example to others.

Combating corruption is an ongoing and multifaceted effort that requires a combination of legal, institutional, cultural, and educational measures. It also demands the active participation of citizens, civil society, businesses, and government entities. Success in fighting corruption often depends on sustained commitment and vigilance from all the shareholders in this process. This process will be regarded as a safety valve to increase the trust of the people and international communities and increase investments in the country.

 Previous Parts

https://www.mirs.co/details.aspx?jimare=217

https://www.mirs.co/details.aspx?jimare=225

https://www.mirs.co/details.aspx?jimare=223

Saman Shali has a Ph.D. in Science (1981) from the University of Sussex. Dr. Shali worked as an Assistant Researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Sussex, King Saud University, and Pennsylvania State University. He is also a senior fellow at the Mediterranean Institute for Regional Studies.