Corruption Plagues Palestinian Authority, Report Reveals
A recent report by the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) has shed light on the widespread corruption within the Palestinian Authority’s institutions. The 2013 “Corruption and Ways to Combat It” report highlights the need for structural reforms to combat graft.
The Extent of Corruption
According to the report, corruption in official Palestinian institutions is ongoing, with illegal earnings being the most extensive crime in Palestine. The lack of a clear system to identify conflicts of interest and determine mechanisms to reduce them has contributed to this issue. Additionally, the allocation of budget funds is criticized, with 35% going towards security agencies while only 5% is allocated for education and health ministries.
Degrees of Corruption
The report highlights three degrees of corruption:
Low-Level Corruption
- Misuse of government vehicles by employees
- Suspected misuse of Palestinian airline funds
- Construction of Arafat’s tomb in Ramallah
Mid-Level Corruption
- Nepotism, favouritism, and political and family considerations influencing senior staff appointments
High-Level Corruption
- Embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, abuse of trust, and abuse of official positions for personal gain
Recommendations to Combat Corruption
The report recommends the following measures:
Reduce Non-Ministerial Institutions
- Merge similar functions to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency.
Increase Transparency in Budget Allocation
- Ensure that budget funds are allocated fairly and transparently.
Implement Conflict-of-Interest Policies
- Establish clear guidelines for identifying and addressing conflicts of interest.
Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms
- Empower civil society organizations to monitor and hold the authorities accountable.
Conclusion
The report emphasizes that corruption is a significant obstacle to sustainable development in Palestine, undermining public trust and confidence in institutions. The PA must take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability. Civil society has a crucial role to play in holding the authorities accountable for their actions.
Degrees of Corruption Chart
| Degree | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Level Corruption: Misuse of government vehicles, misuse of Palestinian airline funds, construction of Arafat’s tomb |
| 2 | Mid-Level Corruption: Nepotism, favouritism, political and family considerations influencing senior staff appointments |
| 3 | High-Level Corruption: Embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, abuse of trust, abuse of official positions for personal gain |
Recommendations Chart
| Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduce non-ministerial institutions | Merge similar functions to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency. |
| Increase transparency in budget allocation | Ensure that budget funds are allocated fairly and transparently. |
| Implement conflict-of-interest policies | Establish clear guidelines for identifying and addressing conflicts of interest. |
| Strengthen oversight mechanisms | Empower civil society organizations to monitor and hold the authorities accountable. |