“Egyptians took to the streets demanding an end to corruption. Now is the time for the authorities to address the gaps in 

legislation that allowed corruption to flourish and those in power to get away with impunity,” said Omnia Hussien, 

Programme Coordinator, Middle East and North Africa.


The report shows that despite being one of the 140 signatories, Egypt has failed to comply with the UNCAC in several key 

areas. These include laws governing whether politicians can hold private sector jobs, whistleblower protection and access 

to information.


Nepotism and conflict of interest flourished in the civil service in Egypt because the executive branch held the power of 

both job appointments and legal appointments. In addition, there was no incentive for people to report corruption because 

they were not protected under the law.


The report makes a series of recommendations that include:

<ul>
 <li>A comprehensive national strategy for combating corruption, including an action plan with effective measures and 

tools for implementation</li>
<li>
 An effective partnership among government, civil society organisations, the media and the business sector in 

designing and implementing such strategy
</li>
<li>
 An independent anti-corruption body to monitor the implementation of the strategy
</li>
<li> 
 New codes of conduct for each government authority or body
</li>
<li>
 Access to information laws
</li>
<li>
 Effective whistleblower protection legislation
</li>
</ul>

In its review of Egyptian legislation the interim government should look carefully at anti-corruption measures. This new 

report can help identify key areas where reforms are needed, as well as gaps in existing laws that have allowed 

corruption to flourish until now.


###


Transparency International is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption


Note to editors:


Egypt signed the UNCAC in 2003 and ratified in 2005. The Convention was adopted by the UN in 2003. Since then 140 

countries have ratified it.



Media Contact


Deborah Wise Unger
 
Tel: +49 30 34 38 20 666
 
Email: press@transparency.org

Transparency International calls for new anti-corruption legislation in Egypt to tighten existing gaps