News

22 May 2014 — Democracy does not mean only elections but what happens afterwards and how accountably the system functions, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Haoliang Xu said.

“There is a need to improve governance and institutions, especially the local government–how they can play a constructive role and promote development at local levels,” he told a press conference at the capital’s Sonargaon Hotel, wrapping up a five-day visit to Bangladesh.

During his stay, Xu visited various UNDP projects, including those at Korail slum in Dhaka, Dacope in Khulna, and Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Read the story in The Daily Star.

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A union communications and IT ministry project on “mobile governance” has won the second prize at the prestigious United Nations’ Public Services Awards. The project, called “mobile seva” was launched by the Dept. of Electronics and Information Technology’s(DeitY) in January 2012, and won in the category “Promoting Whole of Government Approaches in the Information Age” for Asia-Pacific.
 
Read the story by Kim Arora in The Times of India.

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20 May 2014

Oman’s Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and Public Prosecution, organised a seminar at Grand Hyatt Muscat on requirements for implementing the provisions of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and Review Mechanism.

Opening the seminar Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Minister of Justice, said that the holding of the seminar stems from the belief in the importance of the Sultanate’s joining this convention as per the Royal Decree No 64/2013.

He pointed out that the Sultanate is making much headway in integrating the rule of the law principle. It also supports the international efforts made to combat corruption. “We aim through these sessions to provide concerned official and experts with knowledge and technical experience needed to fight corruption,” the minister said.

He also indicated that the Sultanate participated in November, 2013 in the Conference of the States Parties in UN Agreement against Corruption in Panama. “Our participation came to support the world fighting corruption in all its types and forms and enhancing cooperation between countries to cut off this crime which is threatening societies’  security, values, and their peoples’ luxury. We already established many national committees and specialised bodies in this field while looking forward to consolidate supremacy of law and continuing to support international efforts to fight against corruption,” Al Khalili said.

Read the story by Zainab Al Nasseri in Oman Daily Observer.

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20 May 2014

Gambian lawmakers in the capital city Banjul unanimously ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), with a strong call for multilateral action to curb what they called “the menace of this social vice”. The motion was tabled before members by the Interior minister, Ousman Sonko.

Reacting to the motion, the National Assembly member for Upper Nuimi, Hon. Mam Cherno Jallow, said corruption could lead to terrorism, hence calling for collective efforts to combat the menace. Crediting the Jammeh administration for intensifying efforts in making sure that corruption becomes an issue of the past in the country, Jallow stressed the need for attitudinal change.

The Tumana lawmaker, Hon. Netty Baldeh, equally called for collaborative efforts to end corruption, saying it has been a retarding factor for many a developing nation.

The Majority leader and member for Serrekunda East, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, said that corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, calling for concerted efforts to cut its ugly head. “It takes the quality of life from an ordinary person and it is a serious threat to human security,” the veteran lawmaker argued.

Read the story by Bekai Njie and Alieu Ceesay in Daily Observer.

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Countries need to increase transparency on military expenditure. This was the message of the UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order at a consultation in Brussels on 15 May 2014. Present at the meeting were senior representatives of several organisations including NATO and Transparency International. “There is a general lack of transparency with regard to military budgets worldwide,” said the Independent Expert, Alfred de Zayas. “Governments are reluctant to come forward with detailed information and statistics on military expenditures. Insufficient attention is devoted to these issues by the media, as if such matters were taboo. There is also scarce public participation in the determination of budget priorities.”
 
Read the report in the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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