Strategies to combat corruption debated at UN-backed event

25 Oct 2016

Strategies to combat corruption debated at UN-backed event

ASADABAD - The impact of corruption and effective strategies to mitigate it were debated at a lively UN-backed event this week in Asadabad, the provincial capital of the eastern province of Kunar.

The event, organized by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), drew some 50 participants from government, civil society, rights groups and the media.

Leading the discussion was Kunar’s Governor, Waheedullah Kalimzai, who urged participants, especially those from the judiciary, to play active roles in the fight against corruption.

Haji Muhamadgul Seddique, a UNAMA official, also spoke at the event, briefing the participants on the UN Convention against Corruption and highlighting how corruption slows economic development and causes social injustice.

Following the debate, the event’s participants jointly recommended creating a committee of government institutions, civil society organizations, the provincial council and community leaders to develop a mechanism to promote transparency and accountability at all levels of government. 

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.