PAG Provincial Council and Government Officials Workshop
March - April 2010

IF is facilitating a series of one workshop for senior officials in each province on the Code and the related Compliance Law to assist managers and provincial council members to better enforce compliance. In particular, the training will guide managers to specific steps that can be taken -such as requiring careful review and testing on the Code, mandating signature by all employees, and introducing penalties for breaking the Code- that can promote awareness and raise the level of compliance.

In 2006 the Commission on Integrity promulgated a Code of Conduct for public officials, but records at the Commission show that some federal government agencies have not required its signature by employees. Nevertheless, the Code holds tremendous potential as a document that describes the standard of ethical practice that is expected from employees in the public sector. It can be instrumental in setting a moral bar and changing attitudes of citizens and guiding norms of public employees on issues relating to corruption, the abuse of authority and the importance of individual and institutional ethics in public service.

Iraq also has one of the oldest Ethical Compliance Disciplinary Laws. It has not been evenly and equitably enforced in the past two decades, however, thus creating a culture of impunity and tolerance of corruption in government offices. A renewed emphasis on the Code of Conduct and the previously standing Law on Compliance and Disciplinary Action is needed both to serve as a deterrent and change the culture of corruption in post 2003 Iraq.

Last Update: Thursday, May 27, 2010