Anti-Corruption Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University (ANNU) is fully committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all its operations. Corruption, in any form, undermines trust and has a detrimental impact on society. ANNU adopts a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of corruption and bribery and is dedicated to acting with professionalism, fairness, and integrity in all its dealings and relationships. The university strictly adheres to all relevant laws and regulations, including the Palestinian Criminal Law and other applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation, both domestic and international.

Purpose and Scope

This policy is designed to prevent corruption and bribery within ANNU and to ensure that all university personnel, management, students, suppliers, partners, and affiliates conduct their activities ethically and in accordance with the law. ANNU is committed to spreading its principles and values through its official website (https://www.najah.edu/en/about/vision-and-mission/), making this policy publicly accessible and integral to its core operations.

Corruption: Defined as the misuse or abuse of entrusted power, job title, or university name for private gain, including bribery and any other form of corrupt activity.

Bribery: The act of directly or indirectly promising, giving, offering, receiving, asking for, agreeing to receive, or soliciting any item of value to influence the actions and decisions of any individual responsible for any university function, activity, or operation.

This policy applies to all members of the university community and anyone directly or indirectly involved in ANNU’s activities, operations, functions, and projects.

Governance and Oversight

Since its establishment in 1977 as a public non-profit institution, ANNU has implemented robust governance mechanisms to prevent corruption:

Board of Trustees: The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, which ensures that the executive team manages the university in an ethical and transparent manner. The Board is also responsible for approving the budget and reviewing financial reports.

Anti-Ethical Behavior Committee: A central committee has been formed to investigate any suspected unethical behavior, including bribery and all forms of corruption. This committee operates independently to ensure impartiality.

Procurement Committee: A central committee is responsible for overseeing and approving all procurement processes and purchasing transactions to prevent any corrupt practices.

Internal Audit and Control Department: This department ensures that all financial transactions are conducted lawfully and ethically, in accordance with the university's established procedures.

Administrative Audit and Control Department: This department oversees all administrative operations and activities to ensure compliance with ANNU's ethical standards and procedures.

Reporting and Enforcement

ANNU encourages the reporting of any suspected corruption or bribery through confidential and secure channels. The university guarantees protection for whistleblowers and ensures that all reports are thoroughly investigated. Violations of this policy will result in strict disciplinary action, including possible termination and legal consequences.

Transparency and Public Commitment

ANNU is dedicated to publishing its principles, values, and commitments on organized crime, corruption, and bribery as a fundamental part of its core policies on the official university website. This ensures transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders.

Effective Date: December 12, 2018

Review Date: Jun 23, 2024