Assessing Governance and Strengthening Capacity in Haiti
Summary — This Capacity Development Brief explores Haiti's experience in addressing institutional vulnerabilities and improving governance with the support of the World Bank Institute. It describes the findings of a governance and corruption diagnostic completed in 2006 and highlights positive changes and remaining challenges following the report's dissemination.
Key Findings
- Corruption is a major impediment to Haiti's economic and political stability.
- The judicial system is perceived as inefficient, unresponsive, and easily manipulated.
- Lack of basic security is a serious obstacle to doing business and providing quality basic services.
- Inefficiencies and poor management plague the country's utilities.
- Citizens are willing to devote a portion of their income to eliminate corruption.
Full Description
In 2005, the interim government of Haiti requested support from the World Bank Institute to address institutional vulnerabilities and improve governance. A semi-autonomous anticorruption agency (ULCC) and a multistakeholder steering committee were created to lead a governance and corruption diagnostic. The diagnostic, completed in 2006, involved data gathering from households, private firms, and public service providers. The dissemination of the report in August 2007 was widely covered by the media and attended by high-level government officials. The process aimed to promote dialogue, build local capacity, and harness support for reform, while also identifying priorities for reform and enhancing the oversight role of civil society.