The Cabinet on Monday agreed on 71 articles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most importantly the establishment of a commission to look after corruption issues and encourage the participation of civil society in the fight against corruption, the head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) said.
Muhammad Al-Sharif stressed on the importance of the Kingdom’s consent to the convention during the Cabinet meeting, saying: “The adoption on the convention came after fulfilling the most important obligations, including the issuance of a national strategy for the protection of integrity and fight of corruption, in addition to the establishment of Nazaha as well as the issuance of many regulations in this area.” Examples are the anti-money laundering system, competitions and government procurement system, Board of Grievances, and the Human Rights Commission.
He said there are also a number of ongoing studies pertaining to this issue, such as the draft law for the protection of public funds, preparation of necessary controls to submit financial disclosure statements, and the performance of an allegiance job oath for state workers.
Al-Sharif pointed out that the convention consists of articles that criminalize bribery, blackmailing, abuse of power, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment; and protects witnesses and informants in corruption cases.
Cabinet approves UN Convention against corruption
