Ramallah: Human Rights and Democracy media Center “SHAMS” and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) concluded a strategic planning session for the project of “Promoting of Transparency, Integrity and Accountability to combat corruption “. The researcher Dr. Jihad Harb mentioned that the session aims to Present and discus the summary of project’s objectives and review the status and forms of corruption in Palestine.
In addition to exchange viewpoints between civil society organizations and official institutions, to come up with recommendations which contribute to enhancing collaboration and to discuss themes to be addressed and mechanisms to guarantee achievement of project objectives. Dr. Walter Klitz, Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Jerusalem, welcomed the attendees, provided a background on the project and its objectives, and stressed the importance to achieve the objectives. Dr. Kilts highlighted that the project is part of the continuous German – Palestinian cooperation since the project aims to apply United Nations Convention against Corruption that Palestine accessed on 2nd of April 2014.
So, the purpose is to draft applicable legislative recommendations to promote transparency and the rule of law in the public governance. Through getting the civil society involved, enhancing values of integrity and accountability among employees in both public and private sectors, and enhancing the important engagement within the national culture.
While Dr. Azmi Shuaibi, the Consultant of the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) reviewed the status of corruption in Palestine, as well as impediments facing organizations working to combat corruption.
He also expressed AMAN’s readiness to provide the required support, consultancy, and information to “SHAMS” during project implementation to achieve success. Furthermore, Dr. Shuaibi emphasized the importance to distribute roles between (AMAN) , “SHAMS” and (FNF) in order to guarantee complementarity and continuity to have access to all Palestinian governorates.
Also, he highlighted the need to collaborate with community-based organizations and social activists. And to raise awareness about the principles of accountability, integrity, and transparency, in addition to encourage people to submit complaints. Additionally, Dr. Heinz Borkenstein, the German expert in his statement and discussion addressed the status and forms of corruption in Germany and measures followed to combat corruption.
Also, he highlighted the importance of combating corruption. Several people Participated in the session including representatives of human rights organizations, women and youth associations, Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), Office of the President, Prime Ministry, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Woman’s Affairs, Ministry of Information, Ministry of justice, lawyers, researchers, academics media figures, and the Association of Palestinian local Authorities.
Also, they were divided into 3 groups, and each one addressed one of the project’s objectives, in order to discuss and to come up with a set of recommendations and suggestions to achieve the objective.
Working groups believed that combating corruption is a responsibility premised on peoples; full involvement. And there should be joint cooperation and efforts among civil society organizations, and among governmental institutions. They put emphasis on the importance to have accordance between national legislations and international related conventions.
The groups agreed on major problems represented in the weak media coverage for corruption cases in Palestine and the ineffective raising awareness programs implemented by organizations to the several targeted groups. Moreover, the government isn’t assuming the required role in disseminating conventions on combating corruption, Anti-corruption Law, or raising awareness of citizens.
Besides, the absence of transparency in the delivery of information via social media networks. At the end of the session, participants recommended the need guarantee access to information regarding corruption cases, and to ensure the participation of the public within corruption cases.
They also assured the significance of raising awareness of people on the importance to submit complaints against corruption, and the circulation of Anti-corruption Law.
Furthermore, they recommended putting the spotlight on corruption cases through media outlets, and having collaboration with governorates which haven’t been targeted earlier.
As well, to raise awareness of citizens about combating corruption, revise the legislations and accord it with international conventions and to build the capacities of journalists in regard to hearing sessions and investigative reports.