UN Staff in Iraq Accused of Demanding Bribes in Reconstruction Project

 



A Guardian investigation has uncovered allegations of corruption within the UN Development Programme's (UNDP) Funding Facility for Stabilization project in Iraq. The project, launched in 2015 with $1.5 billion in support from 30 donors, aimed to aid Iraq's postwar reconstruction. However, whistleblowers claim UN staff are demanding bribes from businessmen in exchange for helping them win contracts.

This alleged bribery scheme is just one example of mismanagement and corruption the Guardian found within the project. Despite Iraq's massive oil revenues, the country still struggles with poor infrastructure and services. Critics attribute this to rampant corruption, often described as "the lifeblood of politics in Iraq." The UN, aiming for greater transparency, typically carries out projects directly. However, interviews with former and current UN employees, contractors, and officials suggest the UN's presence might be inadvertently fueling the bribery culture that has plagued Iraq since 2003.

The UNDP denies the allegations, stating they have "internal mechanisms that prevent and detect corruption and mismanagement." However, the serious accusations warrant a thorough investigation to ensure the integrity of the project and the well-being of Iraqis who depend on these funds for rebuilding their country.

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