Corruption is an issue, which undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish. This evil phenomenon is found in all countries—big and small, rich and poor—but it is in the developing world that its effects are most destructive.
In 2023, the Transparency International published a report on the situation with corruption in the world, according to which the countries of Central Asia remain among the most challenging regions in terms of perception of corruption.
The governments of the Central Asian region are demonstrating a strong political commitment to eradicating corruption by taking significant steps to enhance transparency and accountability in public administration. Through the development of robust anti-corruption legal frameworks, capacity building for specialists, and the implementation of preventive measures, they are working to strengthen governance systems. The regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices have played a crucial role in advancing anti-corruption efforts, particularly given the shared history and cultural values of Central Asian countries.
UNODC continues to strengthen anti-corruption measures of the countries of the region within the framework of its Central Asia Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The approach of the Regional Platform is aimed at developing and strengthening partnerships to promote the UNCAC implementation with a view to contributing to SDG 16.
One of the priority areas of work of the Platform focuses on preventing and combating corruption in the corporate sector by applying corporate liability for corruption offenses, introducing fraud and corruption prevention measures in the corporate sector and public procurement. This includes integrity assessments of public officials, along with the legal implications of their use.
In this regard, within the framework of the Regional Platform, UNODC organized the Regional Conference on ‘Integrity Checks in Public Service: Best Practices, Legal Implications, Risks, and Solutions,’ in Dushanbe on 9-10 October, in cooperation with the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The Conference brought together some 40 anti-corruption and law enforcement authorities from across Central Asia and international anticorruption experts.
The International Experts shared presentations on advanced practices and international standards on Integrity Checks and Integrity Testing in public service and conducted practical sessions.
The participants were introduced to the concept of Integrity Checking, which aims at conducting regular audits of financial records and processes to ensure transparency in public sector entities financed by the state budget and to identify violations. Additionally, the concept of Integrity Testing was discussed, which traces its roots to sting operations, where law enforcement created scenarios to test public officials' responses to potential bribery or misconduct.
Mr. Sulaymon Said Sultonzoda, Head of the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan in his welcoming remarks, highlighted: "Integrity and the prevention of misconduct are important factors in the effective work of a public service employee."
Mr. Bobir Tursunov, Member of the Anti-Corruption Council and Head of the Department of Economic and Financial Security at Tashkent State University of Economics, noted: "The knowledge gained at this conference on combating economic crimes through Integrity Checks and Testing of public officials will greatly benefit students in our field. It provides an opportunity to incorporate scientific research and best international practices into the curriculum, further capacitating future professionals.
Nowadays, Integrity Checking and Testing are expanding into multiple public sectors, becoming key components of contemporary anti-corruption strategies.
Ms. Sagynysh Ayaganova, First Deputy Head of the Agency for Anti-Corruption in the Akmola Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, shared the Agency's experience in developing and submitting the draft law ‘On Testing for Professional Integrity’ to the legislative work plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024.
Following the discussions, participants proposed and developing and implementing corruption risk assessments projects across public sectors, including law enforcement, and exploring the use of artificial intelligence for these purposes.
UNODC remains committed to supporting Central Asian countries in transforming public service and strengthening their anti-corruption frameworks.
The Regional Conference was organized with the support of the Government of Denmark.
Don’t miss out on the next event dedicated to the outcomes of the work of the Regional Platform in Central Asia:
For partnership, please contact:
Vladimir Kozin, Regional Adviser on Anticorruption
Email: vladimir.kozin[at]un.org
Azat Irmanov, National Programme Officer
Email: azat.irmanov[at]un.org
