EMERGENCY RESPONSES & PROCUREMENT
→ Transparency and accountability ensure that socio-economic support reaches those most in need.
Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive financial investments in the public health sector and the launch of emergency support packages and economic and social safety nets to offset the socio-economic consequences. These have generated unprecedented opportunities for corruption to flourish many times due to pre-existing vulnerabilities and weaknesses in governance systems and public service delivery in national frameworks.
Recovering with integrity requires the involvement of a diverse range of actors, including parliamentarians, policymakers, anti-corruption bodies, civil society and the private sector, in enhancing oversight and accountability over policymaking, emergency support packages along with more transparent public procurement at a national level.
Actions
Integrate transparency, accountability and anti-corruption measures in emergency response packages and public health procurement:
- Establish clear, feasible, objective and transparent criteria to ensure intended beneficiaries of economic support are aware of their eligibility
- Involve anti-corruption bodies, civil society and the private sector in monitoring and oversight
- Establish strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
- Empower and engage women, and incorporate gender perspectives in decision-making, policies and strategies
- Use open and competitive bidding, benchmark fair prices, verify suppliers, and publish all awarded public contracts including information of companies
- Leverage innovation and digital technologies for efficient, transparent and accountable disbursement of funds
UNODC tools
- State of Integrity: A guide on conducting corruption risk assessments in public organizations
- Contribute to the dialogue leading to the Special Session of the General Assembly against corruption in 2021.