Corruption risks in humanitarian action can take many different forms: from the diversion of aid and the payment of excessive taxes to parties to a conflict, to the practice of clientelism in procurement or nepotism in recruitment. Despite the importance to aid transparency and accountability in the humanitarian sector, discussions on corruption are often neglected, and organizations tend to address this issue individually rather than collectively. Aiming to address this issue, Transparency International recently undertook research under the Collective Resolution to Enhance Accountability and Transparency in Emergencies (CREATE) initiative, carrying out interviews and consultations regarding the corruption risks in four complex operational settings: Afghanistan, the response to Ebola in Guinea, southern Somalia, and operations to assist Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
On 26 October, Adele Harmer from Humanitarian Outcomes and Roslyn Hees from Transparency International, presented this PHAP Briefing organized in partnership with CHS Alliance and Transparency International. The event focused on the key findings of the CREATE report, presenting the main corruption risks, but also key mitigation efforts and recommendations that have been identified in the four analyzed settings.