From draft to the adopted document: Evolution of the text of the Palestinian Code of Conduct and Ethics

The final text of the code underwent substantial evolution before its adoption and reflects valuable feedback gathered during the consultation process. This chapter outlines the process that led to the adoption of the code and discusses the degree to which its provisions reflect international good practices and standards. The chapter finds that the code provides an effective reference document for the expected conduct of civil servants as it presents key values in a concise way and targets officials throughout the public administration. It discusses the provision of the code with a view to recurrent challenges to public sector integrity, such as wasta, conflict of interest, employment restrictions and gifts. While the code refers to such abuses of integrity and thus can play a prominent role in bringing about attitude change, the chapter draws the attention to legal frameworks that would usefully complement existing safeguards.