USAID, HIDAA Support Role of Media and Civil Society in Fight Against Corruption

SHKODRA, March 10, 2009     Today, USAID’s Rule of Law Program, in partnership with the High Inspectorate for the Declarations and Audit of Assets (HIDAA), held a workshop on Conflict of Interest (COI) and Asset Declarations in Shkodra. This is the third workshop sponsored by USAID and HIDAA with the goal of increasing knowledge of the laws that govern conflicts of interest and declaration of assets and emphasizing the need for the cooperation of civil society and media in detecting and denouncing cases of public corruption.

The workshop was attended by representatives from local civil society organizations, journalists and local government officials from four municipalities and communes in the Lezha and Shkodra regions. Representatives of Montenegro’s Commission on Prevention of Conflict of Interest also attended.

In his remarks USAID’s General Development Officer, Mr. Sean Huff, noted HIDAA’s contribution to creating a more transparent and accountable public sector in Albania. He also encouraged the media, civil society groups, and common citizens, in conjunction with organizations like HIDAA, to find ways to work together in the fight against corruption.

Mr. Adriatik Llalla, General Inspector of HIDAA, acknowledged the importance of local organizations and media in fostering transparency and accountability of public officials.

USAID’s program works with courts, oversight institutions like HIDAA, and watchdog organizations to fight corruption in Albania’s public sector.