Handbook on preventing corruption in humanitarian operations

Transparency International is launching its Handbook on Preventing Corruption in Humanitarian Operations in Geneva at the International Conference Center on 1 February at 18.30, followed by a drinks reception from 19.30-21.00.

The idea for this handbook came from the massive humanitarian response to the Asian tsunami, when the huge levels of resources committed by the international community created concern about new opportunities for corruption. Many international development agencies have put in place corruption prevention polices tailored to development programmes, but there was a noticeable gap in policies for preventing corruption in emergencies. Based on extensive research within and beyond the humanitarian sector, as well as detailed input from the humanitarian community itself, this handbook aims to fill that gap. It offers a menu of good practice tools for preventing and detecting corruption in humanitarian operations.

The handbook is primarily:

-aimed at managers and staff of humanitarian agencies, both at headquarters (HQ) and in the field
-directly for those on front line of aid delivery as well as to senior managers who determine organisational culture and values.

The handbook is designed to help anyone working in the humanitarian sector identify and prevent the corruption risks faced by their particular organisation or department, or within a specific programme or role.

Opening remarks by:
-Christiaan Poortman, Director of Global Programmes, Transparency International
-Ambassador Hans Dahlgren, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations in Geneva

Keynote Speaker:
Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction

Presentations:
-Roslyn Hees, Senior Adviser, Transparency International
-Marie-Luise Ahledorf, Senior Programme Coordinator, Transparency International