“I cannot evaluate Activities of the Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials as effective,” said the human rights activist Artur Sakunts in the interview with Iravaban.net.
According to him, the reason of inefficient activity is that the Commission does not have sufficient authority, influence and leverages to implement its decisions.
“You know, the regulations governing the activities of the Commission themselves limit the activities, which might contribute to achieve the set purposes.” Artur Sakunts highlighted the fact that the Commission does not have authorities to initiate proceedings and the powers to conduct investigation.
“It can study the materials published by the media, the statements of NGOs and civil society, regardless of the fact whether they apply to the Commission or not. Thus, the Commission should be given the right to initiatives and the right to act without directly receiving applications. Another question is whether the Commission will show a selective approach or not,” Mr. Sakunts said.
If the Commission will have a proactive role, therefore it will be provided strong leverages to make its decisions authoritative, “For example, if its opinion shall become an evidence of immediate implementation, the decision of a certain official is sent to his/her immediate supervisor; who in his turn will take an appropriate decision. Then the committee will examine that decision as well, whether it is effective or not,” said the human rights activists.
