02/14/2000

Conclusions of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Anti-Corruption and Transparency Conference

Preamble

On 14 February 2000, at the close of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Anti-Corruption and Transparency Conference, all attendees unanimously endorsed six conclusions to strengthen the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to guide those involved in the fight against fraud and corruption.

Conclusions

That each public official, and every level of government within Bosnia and Herzegovina, shall immediately and publicly endorse, and strive to implement, each of the following resolutions:

  1. To take concrete steps to demonstrate the strongest political will to fight fraud and corruption, and to support transparency and accountability.

  2. To call upon the State of Bosnia-Herzegovina to immediately sign, and each entity to fully implement, the European Criminal and Civil Law Convention on Corruption and the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) monitoring mechanisms.

  3. To harmonize laws at each level of government that pertain to the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency in government.

  4. To reject the practice of closed governmental operations, and to endorse and implement laws that require governmental transparency and public reporting of governmental activities.

  5. To invite and encourage all non-governmental institutions and individuals in civil society to become active partners with those involved in the fight for transparency and against fraud and corruption.

  6. To implement and personally abide by each of the seven principles of public life:

(1) Selflessness. Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material advantages for themselves, other institutions or political parties.

(2) Integrity. Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

(3) Objectivity. In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

(4) Accountability. Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

(5) Openness. Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take.

(6) Honesty. Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

(7) Leadership. Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.