In the modern world, alongside other dangerous phenomena such as terrorism, extremism, and illicit drug trafficking, one of the most urgent and serious problems is corruption. Corruption and other corruption-related acts hinder economic development and the well-being of the population, the realization of human and civil rights and freedoms, as well as stability and peace in the country, creating the greatest threat — public distrust in state institutions.
In modern conditions, corruption has transformed from a domestic issue into an international one. Research shows that this phenomenon has deep historical roots and emerged alongside the formation of states. It should be noted that corruption, like other global threats, has become one of the world’s major problems, negatively affecting economic and social processes, as well as the worldview of humanity.
Corruption, referred to as the “plague of the century,” is the subject of constant attention by international organizations, especially the United Nations, for which combating it is one of the priority tasks.
In order to prevent and actively combat corruption-related crimes, the United Nations Convention against Corruption was adopted on 31 October 2003, and on 9 December 2003, a high-level political conference was held in Mérida, Mexico, with the participation of representatives from more than 100 countries to promote accession to the Convention. Thus, 9 December was declared International Anti-Corruption Day.
The Republic of Tajikistan signed this Convention on 25 September 2006, and it was ratified by the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli on 16 April 2008. In order to unite state efforts in combating corruption and to involve civil society, the private sector, and international organizations in this process, the specialized body — the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan — was established by Presidential Decree on 10 January 2007, based on the Convention.
The main tasks of the Agency include:
The Agency carries out activities to protect the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens and society from corruption, to identify and eliminate corruption violations, to expand preventive measures, and to cooperate with civil society and international organizations.
The fight against corruption is a collective task, and it cannot be left solely to state bodies. The top leadership of the country has repeatedly emphasized the need for joint efforts of the state and society to eradicate this negative phenomenon.
In his annual Address to the Majlisi Oli on 26 January 2021, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, stated:
“Corruption is a negative phenomenon and a threat to society. The fight against it is a key task of state bodies, civil society institutions, and every resident of the country.”
Since independence, and thanks to the constructive initiatives of President Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan has made steady progress in combating corruption by establishing a legal and institutional framework.
Initially, anti-corruption activities were regulated by the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Combating Corruption” dated 25 July 2005 No. 100. After the establishment of the Agency, the Laws “On the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption” (20 March 2008 No. 374) and “On Combating Corruption” (7 August 2020 No. 1714) were adopted, strengthening the legal and institutional framework.
State strategies were also developed and implemented:
These documents contributed to reducing the level of corruption, strengthening transparency in public administration, introducing preventive restrictions in the civil service, establishing accountability for corruption offenses, and improving detection mechanisms.
To coordinate the activities of the state and civil society, the National Anti-Corruption Council and public commissions for corruption prevention have been established in regions, cities, and districts.
Thus, all state bodies and the population must carry out a determined fight against corruption, follow the directives of the President, and strive for an honest, transparent, and dignified life.
In addition, successful implementation of these tasks requires active involvement of civil society and every individual in the anti-corruption process.
