The All-Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group (PHRG) attended this event organised by the APPG Afghanistan. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Sarah Chayes’ recent work in Afghanistan with the US Government and her latest research into corruption. Chayes is the author of “The Punishment of Virtue: Inside Afghanistan after Taliban” and has just published a new book, “Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security.”

The event was chaired by Sir Robert Smith MP and the main speakers were:

• Sarah Chayes, Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. (“SC”)
• Stephen Carter, Afghanistan Campaign Leader, Global Witness. (“SCa”)
• Jawed Nader, Director, BAAG. (“JN”)

The key points raised during the meeting were as follows:

• Corruption is a major cause of conflict and violent extremism, and is linked to many modern crises, including those related to Boko Haram and Islamic State. (CH)
• Different networks within conflict-ridden states get “captured” by revenue streams, one of which is international aid. This has happened in places as diverse as Iraq, Nigeria and Ukraine. (CH)
• Corruption creates personal grievances, and the desire for vengeance. This is particularly dangerous when people feel that there is no due process or opportunity to appeal, which often leads them to resort to violence. (CH)
• Injustice is at the heart of modern insurgencies. Taliban propaganda utilises government corruption and links it to notions of justice to gain popular support. (SC)
• Corruption also undermines the capacity of governments to resist insurgency. (SC)
• There have been some positive developments in Afghanistan, including the removal of certain elite governors from power after corruption scandals emerged. (JN)
• Corruption should be mainstreamed into both development and security programmes. Governments including the UK should request analyses of the political economy of countries which receive aid, in order to examine real or potential corruption. (CH)
• Policy must reflect corruption as a “first order security threat.” (SC)

The PHRG will continue to use the Parliamentary platform to raise issues relating to corruption, and its effects on basic rights around the world.