Yemen Journalists Combat Corruption

Yemeni journalists and editors are participating in a new effort in Yemen and playing a valuable role combating corruption in their country.  This project has equipped journalists with knowledge and skills to assess, analyze, and report on anti-corruption efforts in Yemen, after the passage of the 2006 Anti-Corruption law, and the Yemeni Government’s creation of a national Anti-Corruption Committee.  By working with active members of the civil society as well as government officials, these journalists are focused on contributing to the effective implementation of the new Anti-Corruption law.

Supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Local Grants program, the Women Journalists without Chains (WJWC) have successfully launched training for ambitious journalists on corruption types, causes, and negative consequences, and on investigative reporting.  WJWC also compiled a handbook on anti-corruption efforts in Yemen, and the role of responsible press in combating corruption. 

“A journalist’s main mission in Yemen should be to fight corruption”, President of WJWC Tawakkol Karman said.  Journalists will graduate from the workshop with a stronger voice to support anti-corruption efforts, she added.  These trained journalists will apply to join a newly formed independent anti-corruption committee “Journalists against Corruption” (JAC), comprised of 42 senior and active members of the Yemeni press.  The Committee, created with the technical support of WJWC, will advocate for fighting corruption, and will promote principles of good governance in an organized and systematic effort. 

Since its inception, JAC has been dynamically engaged with government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the general public.  JAC members have officially addressed the parliament on financial corruption issues.  Along with the newly trained journalists, the JAC has also participated in a discussion forum and press conference on anti-corruption efforts and good governance with the Anti-Corruption Committee, Parliamentarians, and Civil Society activists.  The public has been invited to convey corruption complaints and information through the launch of JAC’s new website and hotline.

The project is now in the process of producing a report that will include a summary and explanation of Yemen’s anti-corruption laws and international agreements, the role of the press in combating corruption, and recommendations on how to maximize the impact of the new Anti-Corruption law and Anti-Corruption Committee.  The report will be distributed to civil society leaders, members of the parliament, government officials, and the press.

The launch of the training was covered in Al Sahwa-Yemen, AlAhle, SabaNews, and Al Shora.  The creation of Yemen JAC was announced in Al-Tagheer, YemenNow, Al Sahwa Net, and the homepages of the National Organization for Defending Rights and Freedom (HOOD), and WJWC. The letter sent by JAC committee to the parliament was published in Al-Tagheer, Al-Wasat, and YemenNow.