2009 Press Releases
Anti-Corruption Forum for Non-Government Organizations
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
September 28, 2009
U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Office of the Anti-Corruption Coordinator, hosted a forum for over thirty non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on September 28, 2009. The forum underscored the significant role of NGOs in combating corruption in Iraq. Iraqi anti-corruption officials, NGOs, embassy officials, and members of the Iraqi Parliament and judiciary, who are active in the fight against corruption, joined together to broaden their scope of cooperation and mutual contribution to this critical endeavor.
Speakers included the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission of Integrity (COI), American Embassy Anti-Corruption Coordinator Ambassador Joseph Stafford, Inspector General of Ministry of Trade, and various experts from the Iraqi NGO community.
Discussions focused on the role of NGOs in the implementation of the Iraqi National Anti-Corruption Strategy currently being developed, and on ensuring Iraq’s compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The Deputy Head of the Commission for Integrity Judge Ezzat Tawfiq Jaafar noted the importance of joint efforts in combating corruption: “We need to support each other and realize the importance of each of our roles for the sake of integrity and transparency. The COI has greatly contributed to achieving these goals, but cooperation and work is still ongoing in helping to end this phenomenon.” Mr. Salim Polis, Inspector General for the Ministry of Industry, explained why today’s forum in Baghdad is significant: “Coordination and raising awareness on the national level is vital in creating a patriotic front against corruption.”
Ambassador Stafford echoed this message, stating that “NGOs and Civil Society play a crucial role in anti-corruption efforts. The U.S. continues to support initiatives by the government of Iraq, NGOs, civil society, and the public to reduce corruption and to raise awareness of its terrible consequences.”