Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, and Ambassador Michael J. Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to BiH, handed over ICT equipment to anti-corruption bodies from Republika Srpska, the Federation of BiH, Brčko District BiH and nine cantons.
The donation is worth around 126,000 EUR and includes laptop and desktop computers, smartphones, printers, scanners, as well as software - all of which will enable anti-corruption bodies in BiH to employ modern and innovative ICT tools in their day-to-day activities, in line with the highest international standards.
The OSCE Mission to BiH has recognized the potential of anti-corruption teams and offices as early as 2017 and has since invested significant efforts to promote the professionalization and aid capacity building of these bodies. With this donation, the OSCE Mission to BiH wishes to reaffirm its support for efficient anti-corruption mechanisms and help anti-corruption bodies carry out their mandates effectively.
"Anti-corruption teams and offices, as impartial and unbiased entities in preventing and reporting on corrupt activities, are indispensable for corruption prevention," said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. "The digitalization of corruption prevention is a global trend. Digital tools, such as online asset declaration databases and anti-corruption reporting platforms, are essential mechanisms for corruption prevention as they increase transparency and accountability and reduce opportunities for fraud and conflicts of interests."
Corruption is a complex issue that requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders. "The United States has funded the excellent team at the OSCE to help you stand up the Anti-Corruption Teams and Offices. They have been working with every canton in the Federation and with the Republika Srpska to ensure the laws and frameworks are in place for you to do your job, and they have provided equipment to get you started. These are the first steps," said Ambassador Murphy to members of the Anti-Corruption Teams and Offices. "The United States will be there for all the Anti-Corruption Offices which have the courage to stand up and fight on behalf of citizens. For those that are still teams, we will be there when you transition into full-fledged offices. When you need to expand your mandate and intensify your activities, we will be there."
This activity is part of the wider efforts invested in corruption prevention and it is a part of the project "Informed Citizens and Efficient Mechanisms to Prevent and Fight Corruption", funded by the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the OSCE Mission to BiH.
