ASSESSMENT OF RISKS (CORRUPTION) IN THE FIELD OF HUMANITARIAN AID AND WAYS TO MINIMIZE THEM

Abstract

The situation in Ukraine since the beginning of the large-scale invasion of the Russian Federation has indeed created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the military, civilians and internally displaced persons. However, numerous cases of abuse, including corruption, have also been revealed in this area. Under the guise of humanitarian aid, goods are often imported into Ukraine for commercial use, which has a negative impact on domestic production, making products less competitive and damaging the economy. There are several reasons for this problem. First, unscrupulous citizens use the situation for personal enrichment, violating rules and ethical norms. Secondly, there are gaps in the legal and regulatory framework that create opportunities for such abuses. In addition, insufficient control by the relevant authorities and poor coordination with humanitarian aid contribute to the spread of corrupt practices. Crisis situations, when it is necessary to act immediately, force the simplification of certain procedures, which can also lead to abuse. Thus, to address this problem, it is necessary to improve the regulatory framework, strengthen control over the import and use of humanitarian aid, and ensure coordination between the various agencies responsible for its provision. This will help not only prevent corruption, but also ensure that resources are used efficiently for the benefit of those who need it most. The study of the processes of needing, requesting, receiving and distributing humanitarian aid, especially under martial law, reveals numerous risks associated with corruption and procedural violations. These risks arise from the fact that the resources used for humanitarian aid often have significant material value, which creates opportunities for undue gain. War as a social phenomenon has a multifaceted impact on various aspects of life, including the military, political, economic, social, humanitarian and information spheres. War, which includes a combination of traditional military operations and other forms of influence (economic pressure, information attacks, destabilisation of society), generates complex risks in each of these areas. After Russia's invasion, the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) analysed corruption risks in areas related to the war, and in particular, the flow of humanitarian aid, where it identified many corruption and strategic risks.