It is Necessary to involve the NGOs to achieve Success in Fight against Corruption

The Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials since its creation failed to prove that it acts effectively. The experts and the lawyers believe that this body has not achieved significant progress in the field of declaration of property and assets, and we still do not mention the fight against corruption.

A draft law “On Prevention of Corruption and Ethics Commission” has been developed and presented for public discussion on e-draft website in the period of 3 – 18 February. The draft foresees to create a new body on the basis of the Commission on Ethics adding the expression “Prevention of Corruption” in the title, as well as to expand the authorities of this body.

However, experts believe, there is no need for this change because the Commission did not prove its efficiency. “I do not think that they are working effectively. I have not noticed any progress in terms of declaration of property and income of the officials,” Advocate Ara Gharagyozayan said.

Mr. Gharagyozayan has not participated in public discussions of this law. Ms Satik Badeyan, President of “Regional Development and Research” NGO has not participated in the debates either. The draft was presented for public discussions for fairly limited period of time. In addition the e-draft.am website was launched recently and the public at large is not familiar with it.

According to the draft the President shall appoint the members of Commission. Satik Badeyan believes that such a procedure shall not ensure the independence of the body. Ara Gharagyozayan is of the same pinion. In the interview with us he said, “The body, which is created by the president, cannot be independent. First, the body must include non-governmental organizations that have experience in fighting corruption and these NGO representatives should have the right to vote. If we want to ensure the independence of the body, we must ensure that it is not dependent on state body,” Mr. Gaharagyozyan emphasized.

Referring to the Commission’s activities Satik Badeyan said that in fact it was not a factor in fight against corruption. “Actually, the Commission did not register success in fighting corruption, and even if there is progress and results, yet they are not tangible,” she stressed.

Iravaban.net

Հետևեք մեզ Facebook-ում

  Պատուհանը կփակվի 6 վայրկյանից...   Փակել