Key to the project will be helping to revise Iraq’s anti-corruption laws, training investigators and judges, and working to boost the role of civil society.
“The fight against corruption requires a joint and united effort, from the Iraqi government, state institutions, and an ever vigilant and watchful Iraqi society,” said Martin Huth, the EU ambassador to Iraq. “This project helps Iraq deliver on its own national and international commitments and respond to the clear expectation of Iraqi citizens to rid Iraq of the plague of corruption.”
Iraq is among the most corrupt nations in the world. Graft is endemic in the political system created after the US invasion in 2003 and the country ranks 160 out of 180 nations assessed by Transparency International.
Anger over corruption was one of the factors that drove thousands into the streets for anti-government protests beginning in October 2019. At least 600 protesters and security force members have been killed and dozens of protest leaders and journalists have been victims of a targeted assassination campaign. Protesters are planning a large demonstration for Tuesday.
“The Iraqi people have taken to the streets to demand action against corruption,” said Zena Ali Ahmad, Iraq representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Their voices are louder than ever and should not be ignored. By strengthening transparency and public accountability through robust anti-corruption reforms, we aim to increase access to the rule of law and restore the public’s confidence in the institutions that serve them.”
On Sunday, Iraqi President Barham Salih announced he was submitting a draft anti-corruption law to parliament that would enable the government to try and recover an estimated $150 billion that has been taken out of the country since 2003.
The draft law seeks to establish a specialized investigation team to look into the financial and property holdings, including foreign assets, of those who have held high ranking positions, and their families and close associates, since 2004. Financial institutions would also have to notify the Central Bank of transactions exceeding $500,000 and any contract signed on the basis of a bribe, abuse of influence, or any suspicion of corruption would be cancelled.
"The penalties for those convicted of corruption offenses include confiscation and dispossession of all their movable and immovable property, and legal documents and instruments,” according to the presidency.
