Civil Society happy with public servants’ draft code of ethics

MUHANGA - Civil society organizations (CSOs) have welcomed the yet to be drafted presidential decree on public servants code of ethics saying it has exhibited high level of good governance as it includes the views of the average Rwandan. Jean Dela Providence Harelimana, the chairman of the CSOs in Muhanga District, said that with the civil society contributing its views on the law, it shows the government’s willingness to involve them in taking decisions on issues of governance and development. “It’s a good idea and we are happy that the government decided to consult us on this issue,” he said Harelimana who spoke during the final consultative meeting held, on Friday, between civil society, stakeholders and the Ministry of Public Service on the outcomes of the consultations that were carried out countrywide regarding the decree, said that the law will help the citizens get better services from public offices. The current law, which is under review in parliament, provides for a presidential decree on public service code of ethics to deal with issues of improving service delivery through quality service, productivity and ensuring professionalism of public servants. Notable in this decree which has been drafted by the ministry of Public service is the dress code, corruption and public servant conduct during execution of duties, all aimed at good service delivery. Betty Mutesi, a lawyer and the government’s Liaison for the Rwanda Millennium Challenge Corporation-MCC project, funded by the US government, said that the decision to involve citizens is aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between Rwanda’s civil society and government through judicial sector civic participation and promotion of civil rights and liberties. “Our goal is to increase participatory approach. I was impressed at how civil society came up with good ideas about this law, so we expect the legal department of the Ministry Public Service to come up with a legal document soon,” she said. Mutesi said that the government is willing to continue involving people in its decision making to promote political rights, civil liberties and voice and accountability adding that this will be achieved through strengthening and supporting civil society. Ends