Transparency International prepares guide to tackle corruption for Arab world

TI announces workshop on Arabic adaptation of the TI Source Book on combating corruption

Anti-corruption experts and activists from North African and Middle Eastern countries will gather in Manama, Bahrain, for a three-day workshop organised by Transparency International (TI) and TI's national chapter in the region, Bahrain Transparency Society.

TI is the leading non-governmental organisation devoted exclusively to fighting corruption worldwide. The workshop which will take place from the 20-23 February, will offer a unique opportunity to debate crucial questions related to the occurrence of corruption and will offer concrete steps on how to combat this scourge.

The workshop, entitled Adaptation of the Transparency International Source Book,, follows on the success of two earlier regional workshops held by TI in Casablanca, Morocco in February 2004 and in Beirut, Lebanon, in September 2004. The workshop in Bahrain is the final workshop in a series which were financially supported by the European Commission. Each workshop has focused on practical ways to implement the models outlined in the "Transparency International Source Book - Confronting Corruption: The elements of a National Integrity System", published by TI in 2001. During these meetings, participants engage in a series of discussions concerning the adaptation of the TI Source Book and pool their anti-corruption knowledge and know-how.

Members of Parliament, university professors, research institutions, human rights activists and members of the media are expected to attend. The workshop will also include representatives from TI national chapters in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and will provide them with an opportunity to debate vital questions related to the phenomenon of corruption in the MENA countries and to lay the basis for a regional approach to combating corruption.

The "Transparency International Source Book - Confronting Corruption: The elements of a National Integrity System" has been published in 20 languages and it continues to be a pivotal resource for anti-corruption activists across the globe. TI has used adaptation workshops to bring civil society and the media together and to adapt the models described in the Source Book to fit the social, legal and economic situation in each country.

The workshop recommendations will serve as inputs into the adaptation of the TI Source Book relevant to the realities of the MENA region which will comprise of a highly useful tool for activists and policymakers. TI hopes to work towards developing a strong, long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with a new dynamic network of Arab activists and experts specialised in the fight against corruption.

Media Contact

Tamara Kamhawi
Tel: +49-30- 3438 2028
Email: tkamhawi@transparency.org

Dr. Jasim Al Ajmi
Tel: +973 3 9444 284
Email: nawaflqbatelco.com.bh