Southwest State Cabinet Approves Measures to Curb Misuse of Relief Aid

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA:  The Southwest State cabinet has approved a legislative policy aimed at safeguarding humanitarian assistance and curbing diversion and misuse of aid.

The legislative policy titled “Safeguarding Humanitarian Assistance” is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery of humanitarian aid across the state.

The Southwest State government through a statement on its official X account, emphasized its commitment to ensuring aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without interference or mismanagement.

The policy introduces several measures to combat food diversion, fraud, and corruption in humanitarian efforts.

First, it requires aid agencies to promptly report any allegations of abuse, corruption, misappropriation, or neglect of assistance to judicial authorities, also the agencies are required to establish a complaints procedure, enabling beneficiaries to voice their grievances without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

The agency should also ensure aid diversion, embezzlement, trafficking in aid assets, and the misuse of aid intended for emergencies are officially recognized as criminal offenses.

Lastly, individuals who knowingly use vehicles to transport stolen humanitarian assets, or allow their vehicles to be used for such purposes, will face criminal charges.