Yesterday, Transparency International (TI) released a practical guide for combating corruption in relief and reconstruction efforts.
“Disasters like the catastrophe in Haiti highlight the absolute necessity of ensuring that the funds and supplies allocated actually reach those in need. Corruption in emergency aid is a matter of life and death. Stopping and preventing corruption should be a strategic priority for the humanitarian community,” said Christiaan Poortman, Global Programmes Director at TI.
Strong whistleblowing mechanisms are recommended as the best way to stop corruption and ensure that humanitarian aid gets where it needs to go. The report states that a “confidential and independent mechanism (whether internal or exernal) helps create an environment intolerant of corruption, in which staff feel safe to blow the whistle without fear of reprisal.” TI recommends that whistleblowing actually be made a staff duty and if an investigation finds corruption, the agency must take action to ensure that staff trust the whistleblowing process to correct their complaints (Pages 19-20).
For entire report please click here.