UNODC and Anti-Corruption Agency Train Uzbek Practitioners to Conduct Sociological Research on Corruption 

The effectiveness of policies to prevent and combat corruption is largely determined by the extent to which anti-corruption measures impact the root causes of corruption and consider the local context of each country. Corruption is a type of criminal interaction between individuals and understanding it requires the use of various sociological research methods.

In partnership with the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UNODC launched trainings on basic skills for conducting sociological studies of corruption.

Over 20 representatives of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Academy of Public Administration, the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Academy of the General Prosecutor's Office, as well as members of the Public Council of the Anti-Corruption Agency, universities and non-governmental organizations took part in training sessions from 10 to 18 September in Tashkent.

«To fight corruption more effectively, there is a need to improve comprehension of its different manifestations and to make regular, scientifically-based efforts to measure its occurrence. Sociological surveys help inform the public about trends and patterns of corruption and assist Governments to develop evidence-based policies to prevent and counter corruption», said Mr. Koen Marquering, Manager of UNODC’s Criminal Justice Programme in Central Asia.

During the training, participants reviewed both the theoretical foundations of sociological research and practical aspects, including organizational matters, interaction with research and consulting companies, analysis of research results and development of conclusions and recommendations for enhanced anti-corruption policies. Training participants also completed a series of individual exercises to practice the skills acquired during the training.

Mr. Yakov Asminkin, an expert from Uzbekistan, led the training course. “While statistics on identified and investigated cases of corruption are important, such data only reflects the tip of the iceberg and does not show the full scale of corruption and its negative impact on society”, Mr. Asminkin stated. “Sociological surveys among the population, business entities and civil servants provide an opportunity to evaluate the state of corruption, its scale and dynamics, as well as to assess the impact of anti-corruption measures”, he added.

UNODC is the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which entered into force in December 2005. The UNCAC is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. The Convention's far-reaching approach and the mandatory character of many of its provisions make it a unique tool for developing a comprehensive response to a global problem. The Convention covers five main areas: preventive measures, criminalization and law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery, and technical assistance and information exchange. The Convention covers many different forms of corruption, such as bribery, trading in influence, abuse of functions, and various acts of corruption in the private sector.

UNODC supports national efforts to prevent and address corruption and strengthen the role of civil society and the private sector in good governance in Central Asia with financial support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Article in Russian language

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For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

Communication and PR Specialist at

UNODC Criminal Justice Programme in Central Asia

UNODC Programme office in the Kyrgyz Republic

+996775987817 WhatsApp/ Cell phone

Vasilina.brazhko [at] un.org