Baghdad: The Federal Integrity Commission reported on Friday that conflicts of interest involving 11 officials were identified during August. This finding is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and integrity within public service operations.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Commission revealed in a press release that the Prevention Department successfully uncovered these conflicts of interest while also noting that 3,449 officials disclosed their financial assets in the same period. Additionally, 141 investigative visits were conducted to verify the accuracy of financial disclosure forms, employing investigation, inquiry, and coordination with relevant authorities. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of preventative measures in monitoring inflation indicators in the assets of officials.
The Commission further elaborated on its educational initiatives, mentioning that the department organized four workshops and seminars. These sessions focused on the Code of Conduct for Public Service No. (1 of 2016) and its first amendment in 2017, targeting entities such as the Ministry of Health/Public Medical Clinics and the Peace Center for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled. These efforts are part of an ongoing campaign to consolidate public service rules and promote integrity and commitment in the civil service.
Moreover, a report was issued on the Ministry of Migration and Displacement’s Transparency and Public Funds Protection Program. This report aims to assess compliance with transparency standards, identify shortcomings and risks conducive to corruption, and propose measures to address them. The Commission’s team is also monitoring electronic transformation procedures, having completed a report on the e-governance project for the Ministry of Justice/General Directorate of Real Estate Registration. Additionally, efforts are underway to monitor the electronic payment program for the Christian, Yazidi, and Mandaean Endowments Office, supporting the shift towards electronic systems to enhance transparency and reduce corruption in financial procedures and transactions.