Foto: Kareja
The Corruption Research Institute Kareja, with the support of the Urban-ina association, successfully organized a three-day multi anti-corruption event titled “Guarding Novi Pazar from Corruption”. The event was also supported by the Sandžak Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms Novi Pazar.
On the first day of the event, a basic anti-corruption training was conducted with 20 participants. On the second day, a corruption survey was carried out with a sample of one hundred respondents. The survey was conducted by seven students and three coordinators. At the end of the day, certificates of completion were awarded to the training participants at the Cultural Center.
Following the training, a conference was held on the topic “Power or Impotence of the Anti-Corruption Law on the Organization and Jurisdiction of State Authorities in Combating Organized Crime, Terrorism, and Corruption”. The conference aimed to analyze the effects of law implementation, define specific advocacy initiative goals, and determine measures to be implemented over the next two months in various cities.
Representatives from eight organizations participated in the conference: Podrinje Anti-Corruption Team (PAKT) Loznica – Miroslav Mijatović, PROTEKTA Niš – Milan Stefanović, Ecological Association Rzav, Arilje – Coalition Against Corruption in the Environment – Nataša Milivojević, Public Interest Lobbying Association – President Ana Aleksić, Women’s Forum Prijepolje – Aleksandar Minić, President of Urban-ina – Sead Biberović, Representative of the Sandžak Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms – Azra Aličković, and representatives of the Corruption Research Institute – Adv. Zlatan Vulić and Siniša Janković. Also in attendance were representatives from the local government, Malića Plojović, students, and citizens of Novi Pazar.
Results of the Corruption Survey in Novi Pazar
During the second day of the event, a survey was conducted among the citizens of Novi Pazar to gauge their opinions on the issue of corruption. The survey covered three key questions:
“Is there more corruption now or was there more before?” More than two-thirds of the citizens believe that corruption is more prevalent today, while 20% said it was more pronounced in the past. Ten percent of respondents believe the situation is the same or are unsure.
“Is the state effectively combating corruption?” More than two-thirds of those surveyed gave a negative answer, while a third believes that the fight against corruption is now adequate or the same as before. Ten percent of respondents could not assess.
“Is corruption always harmful, or can it sometimes be useful?” Two-thirds of respondents believe that corruption is always harmful, while 30% believe it can be useful. Ten percent had no opinion on this issue.
Conclusion of Training and Certificate Award Ceremony
At the end of the three-day event, certificates were awarded to participants of the anti-corruption training, marking the completion of the first phase of the project “Guarding Novi Pazar from Corruption.” Organizers expressed hope that such events will become a regular practice and contribute to creating a better and more just social climate in Serbia.
Siniša Janković, a representative of the organizers, explained that the event was dedicated to the late members of Urban-ina, Ešref Džanefendić and Sadija – Satki Džanefendić. He emphasized the importance of transparency and effective combating of corruption, especially at the local level.
Next Steps and Plans
The project “Implementation of Anti-Corruption Policies is the Only True Path of Serbia to the European Union” is being implemented within the framework of the “EU Resource Center for Civil Society in Serbia” project, conducted by the Belgrade Open School in partnership with civil society organizations: Novi Sad School of Journalism, ENECA, Uzice Center for Children’s Rights, New Spatial Practice, Safe Paths, Young Farmers of Serbia, and international partner, Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Friedrich Ebert Stiftung). The project is supported by the European Union and will be implemented from 2023 to 2026.
Organizers hope that this event will initiate the establishment of local anti-corruption organizations that will actively combat corruption in their communities. Sead Biberović, Executive Director of Urban-ina, emphasized that the fight against corruption is crucial for societal development and that continuous efforts are needed to raise awareness and educate citizens on this issue.