Marked Improvement in Transparency of Appointments in Education and Health Institutions
A significant decrease in wrongdoings and excesses, such as nepotism, favouritism, and political and family considerations, has been observed in the appointment process of education and health institutions in the Palestinian Authority. This improvement is attributed to a shift towards transparency and merit-based appointments, leading to a more efficient use of public funds.
Security Sector Reforms
The security sector has also undergone significant reforms. The Palestinian Military Intelligence Agency (AMAN) expressed concern over the lack of a suitable framework governing Palestinian security institutions. The report highlighted the need for clearer rules and laws governing national security and intelligence agencies, as well as the police, to ensure accountability and integrity.
Budget Transparency
The report also criticized the lack of clarity regarding the PA’s security forces’ budget. Subsidiary expenses allocated to the security forces are often placed at the disposal of security officials without clear oversight or monitoring.
Universities and Health Institutions
The report exposed the poor state of transparency in Palestinian universities, with many failing to publish financial statements and reports. This lack of transparency has raised doubts about their budgets and decision-making mechanisms.
In the health sector, despite improved transparency measures, services have been declining in efficiency due to corruption problems affecting water and energy authorities.
Call for Action
The report emphasized the need for civil society to take action to monitor and expose corruption within the PA. Independent media outlets play a crucial role in uncovering and exposing corruption, as official Palestinian media outlets have failed to do so.
As long as there is no effective monitoring or accountability mechanism in place, corruption will continue to undermine the authority’s institutions and agencies.
Key Findings
- A significant decrease in wrongdoings and excesses in education and health institution appointments
- Improved transparency and merit-based appointments leading to a more efficient use of public funds
- Security sector reforms aimed at ensuring accountability and integrity
- Lack of clarity regarding the PA’s security forces’ budget
- Poor state of transparency in Palestinian universities and health institutions