Jordan Takes Steps to Enhance Compliance with Anti-Bribery Laws
Amman - In a bid to strengthen its anti-corruption efforts and enhance compliance with international standards, Jordan has made significant amendments to its laws governing corruption. The latest development is the issuance of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Law No. 13 of 2016, which merged two previous bodies into one entity, the Integrity & Anti-Corruption Commission.
A Major Step Towards Creating a National Environment Hostile to Corruption
The move is seen as a major step towards creating a national environment that is hostile to corruption, and it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s business and government sectors. The new law has expanded the powers of the commission, allowing it to:
- Conduct international cooperation
- Suspend contracts obtained through corrupt means
- Recover assets obtained illegally
The Evolution of Jordan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
The Commission was established in 2005 following Jordan’s ratification of the UN International Convention against Corruption. Since then, the country has made significant progress in harmonizing its laws with international standards.
Key Milestones
- Anti-Corruption Law No. 62 of 2006: Defined corruption acts and set the goals and tasks of the commission.
- Amendment in 2012: Provided protection for witnesses, whistleblowers, and experts in corruption cases.
- Amendment in 2014: Covered money-laundering and illicit gain crimes, including non-disclosure of investments, properties or benefits that might lead to a conflict of interest.
The Latest Amendment
The latest amendment, made at the end of 2019, emphasized the Commission’s independence and expanded its powers. It also enabled the Commission to:
- Contribute to assets recovery obtained from corruption acts
- Monitor wealth growth for officials included in the illicit gain law
- Issue regulations to protect whistle-blowers, witnesses, experts, and their related individuals
Praise from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has praised the efforts of the Commission, saying that they have contributed significantly to consolidating the principles of justice, equality, and equal opportunities.
Benefits of the New Law
Experts say that the new law will have a positive impact on Jordan’s business environment, making it more attractive for foreign investors and enhancing the country’s reputation globally. They also expect the law to:
- Reduce corruption cases
- Improve public trust in government institutions
- Promote good governance practices
Access to Information and Complaints Mechanism
The Integrity & Anti-Corruption Commission has committed to providing a platform for scholars and researchers to access information on integrity and anti-corruption efforts in Jordan. The website will also enable citizens to file complaints, grievances, or reports of corruption acts.
Conclusion
The latest development in Jordan’s anti-corruption efforts is a major step towards creating a national environment hostile to corruption. With its expanded powers and commitment to transparency and openness, the Integrity & Anti-Corruption Commission is expected to have a positive impact on Jordan’s business and government sectors.