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Mainstreaming Anti-Corruption for Equity Program
Corruption is endemic and pervasive in Cambodia. It impacts all
aspects of life, from the plundering of natural resources to the
“tea money” children give to their teachers at the beginning of
every school day.
The hundreds of millions of dollars that the government loses
annually to corruption has a negative impact on public service
delivery. The adverse effects of corruption on the business
community – weakening competition, deterring investors, increasing
costs – inhibit private sector growth and job creation. A 2006
study by the Economic Institute of Cambodia determined that the
businesses paid, on average, 2.8% of their turnover in unofficial
fees, approximately US$330 million in 2005. A recent
report by The Asia Foundation determined that decreasing
unofficial fees has the potential to yield a 21% increase in firm
labor growth, which would help tackle Cambodia’s high and growing
unemployment among youth.
The MAE project takes an integrated approach to tackling the complex
challenge of corruption in Cambodia. By working with a variety of
stakeholders – the government, civil society groups, donors, and the
private sector – we are able to maximize the impact of our awareness
raising and behavior change activities.
Goal
Increase political will to develop and implement effective solutions
to the problem of corruption in Cambodia.
Objectives
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Assist the government in drafting anti-corruption and freedom of
information legislation that meets international standards and
provide support during implementation once these laws are
passed.
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Increase the involvement of Cambodia’s private sector in
fighting corruption, particularly through the
Clean Business Initiative.
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Inform the debate on corruption in Cambodia through quality
research, analysis, and IEC materials
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Build on the success of the "Clean Hand" campaign in raising the
awareness and resolve of Cambodians to take a stance against
corrupt practices, especially with the
Saat Saam (“Corruption-Free”) website.
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Develop transparency and watchdog mechanisms around expected
resource inflows from the extractive industry sector.
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Work with Pact’s
Local Administration and Reform Program to increase
sustainable mechanisms for monitoring accountability,
transparency and good governance at the commune level.
Duration
March 2007 - September 2010
Donors
USAID
Publications
Please see the
Publications page.
The Mainstreaming Anti-Corruption for Equity Program builds on the
achievements of Pact's previous
Anti-Corruption Coordinated Action Program.
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