Bribery and Corruption in Iraq: A Threat to Security, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law

The Easiest Profession: “Black Addiction” Behind 50% of Iraq’s Security Problems

Member of Parliament Mukhtar Al-Maws revealed on Saturday, November 23, 2024, what he referred to as the "black addiction," which he described as the primary cause behind 50% of Iraq's security issues.

In his statement, Al-Maws said: "Security is a red line for us, and any compromise on it will lead to a completely different situation. The bloody unrest Iraq has experienced over the past two decades highlights the critical role security plays in creating a stable and sustainable life."

He explained that "bribery, in all its forms, is the black addiction responsible for half of Iraq's security problems." He questioned: "How are prohibited goods, including drugs and other illegal items, being smuggled into the country?" He further emphasized that "bribery is the most dangerous plague in the security landscape and must be combated with high levels of transparency by exposing those involved and imposing stricter penalties on them."

Al-Maws also stressed that "achieving security requires effective checkpoints operated by experienced personnel, none of whom are involved in accepting bribes. Bribery weakens the system and opens the door to endless breaches."

The Escalation of Bribery in Iraq

The rates of bribery in Iraq are escalating and are not limited to high-level officials. It begins at the lowest levels of administration, where citizens are often forced to pay bribes to complete their paperwork and access their basic rights. Without these payments, their needs often go unmet.

According to a survey conducted by the Federal Integrity Commission, which covered 20 government departments across Iraq, the bribery perception rate reached 10.57%, while the rate of actual bribery cases stood at 4.18%, as stated in the commission's annual report.

Iraq’s Ranking in Global Corruption Indices

Iraq ranked 160th globally in the Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International in December 2020, reflecting the severity of the corruption challenge in the country.

Moreover, a study titled "Corruption and Integrity in Iraq’s Public Sector," conducted in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Central Statistical Organization, the Kurdistan Region Statistics Authority, and the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, found that "more than half of Iraqis believe corruption is continuously increasing, with the average Iraqi paying approximately four bribes per year."

Bribery: A Threat to Security and Development

The Easiest Profession: “Black Addiction” Behind 50% of Iraq’s Security Problems

Member of Parliament Mukhtar Al-Maws revealed on Saturday, November 23, 2024, what he referred to as the "black addiction," which he described as the primary cause behind 50% of Iraq's security issues.

In his statement, Al-Maws said: "Security is a red line for us, and any compromise on it will lead to a completely different situation. The bloody unrest Iraq has experienced over the past two decades highlights the critical role security plays in creating a stable and sustainable life."

He explained that "bribery, in all its forms, is the black addiction responsible for half of Iraq's security problems." He questioned: "How are prohibited goods, including drugs and other illegal items, being smuggled into the country?" He further emphasized that "bribery is the most dangerous plague in the security landscape and must be combated with high levels of transparency by exposing those involved and imposing stricter penalties on them."

Al-Maws also stressed that "achieving security requires effective checkpoints operated by experienced personnel, none of whom are involved in accepting bribes. Bribery weakens the system and opens the door to endless breaches."

The Escalation of Bribery in Iraq

The rates of bribery in Iraq are escalating and are not limited to high-level officials. It begins at the lowest levels of administration, where citizens are often forced to pay bribes to complete their paperwork and access their basic rights. Without these payments, their needs often go unmet.

According to a survey conducted by the Federal Integrity Commission, which covered 20 government departments across Iraq, the bribery perception rate reached 10.57%, while the rate of actual bribery cases stood at 4.18%, as stated in the commission's annual report.

Iraq’s Ranking in Global Corruption Indices

Iraq ranked 160th globally in the Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International in December 2020, reflecting the severity of the corruption challenge in the country.

Moreover, a study titled "Corruption and Integrity in Iraq’s Public Sector," conducted in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Central Statistical Organization, the Kurdistan Region Statistics Authority, and the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, found that "more than half of Iraqis believe corruption is continuously increasing, with the average Iraqi paying approximately four bribes per year."

Rule of Law (ROL) Perspective

From a Rule of Law perspective, the issue of bribery undermines the fundamental principles of justice, equality, and accountability. Bribery erodes trust in public institutions and creates a system where laws are selectively applied, favoring those who can afford to pay bribes. This not only weakens governance but also fosters a culture of impunity, where individuals in positions of power are not held accountable for their actions.

To address this, Iraq must strengthen its legal framework to ensure that anti-corruption laws are not only comprehensive but also effectively enforced. Independent oversight bodies, such as anti-corruption commissions, need to be empowered and protected from political interference. Additionally, judicial independence is critical to ensure that cases of bribery are prosecuted fairly and without bias.

The Rule of Law also demands that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity. This includes establishing clear codes of conduct, mandatory asset declarations, and whistleblower protection mechanisms to encourage reporting of corrupt practices. Without these measures, the cycle of bribery and corruption will continue to undermine Iraq's security and development.

Human Rights (HR) Perspective

From a Human Rights standpoint, bribery has a direct and detrimental impact on the rights of citizens, particularly marginalized groups. When individuals are forced to pay bribes to access basic services such as healthcare, education, or legal documentation, their fundamental rights are violated. This creates an environment where only those with financial means can exercise their rights, further entrenching inequality and social injustice.

Bribery also exacerbates poverty, as it imposes an additional financial burden on already struggling families. For example, a citizen who cannot afford to pay a bribe may be denied access to critical services, leaving them vulnerable and disenfranchised. This violates the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international human rights law.

To address this, Iraq must prioritize transparency and accountability in public service delivery. Human Rights-based approaches, such as participatory governance and community monitoring, can empower citizens to hold public officials accountable. Additionally, international human rights organizations and civil society groups must play a more active role in advocating for anti-corruption reforms and providing support to victims of bribery.

Conclusion

The issue of bribery, described as the “black addiction,” is not merely a security challenge but a systemic problem that undermines the Rule of Law and violates fundamental Human Rights. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and community engagement. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and justice, Iraq can begin to dismantle the culture of bribery and corruption that has plagued its institutions for decades.