The Atlas Alliance has zero tolerance for corruption, and we work continuously to ensure that development aid funds reach the disabled.
Zero tolerance for corruption also includes violations of the Atlas Alliance's ethical guidelines and all forms of financial default. Our work to prevent corruption is closely linked to our goal that our partners - the disabled persons' own organizations - shall have good governance and solid routines.
Anti-corruption policy
The Atlas Alliance has an Anti Corruption Policy guiding the work on anti corruption. In addition, the organisations has an Anti Corruption Plan, which is updated regularly. The plan contains concrete measures for improwing the anti corrupsion work on all levels in the value chain.
Whistleblowing
Any suspicions of financial irregularities, harassments or other misconduct, this should be reported. Read more about whistleblowing on this page.
Completed corruption cases
2023
Malawi: The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association supported the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Malawi (PASHL). Investigations were carried out following internal whistleblowing in PASHL. After investigation, it was discovered payments and withdrawals without underlying documentation, payments documented with PASHL's own receipts, lack of documentation on payments to healthcare workers, conflicts of interest, lack of PAYE payments and generally serious weaknesses in internal control. NOK 493,748 has been repaid to Norad. The collaboration with PASHL has ended.
South Sudan: YGlobal supported the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in South Sudan. Documents with inflated prices, purchases made in violation of procedures, and weaknesses in the accounts were uncovered. USD 32,298 has been repaid to the project. Further financial support for YWCA South Sudan is pending until they possibly put in place significant changes in administration and management.
Zambia: Embezzlement of money that should have been paid to the authorities as income tax has been uncovered at SOS Zambia. SOS Children's Villages in Norway has ended the cooperation with the local partner. NOK 29,279 has been repaid to Norad.
2022
Ethiopia: The Norwegian Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NFU) supported the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD). Funds were misused when meeting allowances were paid in violation of internal regulationas, documentation for hotel and transport costs were also lacking. NOK 196,776 has been repaid to the project.
Uganda: The Norwegian Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalusis supports the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHA-U). Cash were not handled according to established routines. NOK 17 000 disappeared when an employee withdrew money from the bank. The employee was instructed to travel to the bank together with a co-worker, but did not follow instructions and made the withdrawal alone. The case has been reported to the police in Uganda. Since the incident SHA-U has improved internal routines. NOK 17.000,- has been repaid to Norad.
Uganda: Mental Health Youth Norway supports Mental Health Uganda. A PC was stolen from the office. The incident has been reportet to the police and a new PC has been acquired.
Uganda: The Norwegian Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities supported Uganda Parents of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (UPPID). An investigation revealed false receipts, receipts which cannot be verified, as well as duplicate salary payments. NOK 125.783,- has been repaid to Norad.
2021
Uganda: Signo supported the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD). Following tips, an investigation revealed embezzlement, theft and missing documentation. NOK 242 604 has been repaid to Norad.
Malawi: The Norwegian Association of Disabled (Handikapforbundet) supported the Malawi Council of the Handicapped (MACOHA). An additional survey revealed weak routes and missing documentation for certain expenses. NOK 1 103 has been repaid to Norad.
2020
Malawi: The Norwegian Association of Disabled supported the Parent’s of Disabled Children’s Association Of Malawi (PODCAM). Failing control and embezzlement were revealed following external tips. NOK 814 944 has been repaid to Norad.
Malawi: The Norwegian Association of Disabled supported The Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA). Following an additional investigation, extensive defaults were discovered. NOK 1 113 317 has been repaid to Norad.
Zambia: The Norwegian Diabetes Association (Diabetesforbundet) supported the Diabetes Association of Zambia. Embezzlement at local partner. NOK 39 451 has been repaid to Norad.
2019
Uganda: The Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (Blindeforbundet) supported the Uganda National Association of the Blind. Counterfeiting of accounts with a local partner was discovered. NOK 45 423 has been repaid to Norad.
2018
Tanzania: The Atlas Alliance supported the East Africa Cup in 2016 with NOK 80 000 to contribute to an inclusive sports tournament and has received good reports in return on the participation of the disabled. NOK 28 860 which is assumed to have defaulted has been repaid to Norad.
2015
Uganda: National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU): Theft from savings/loan group. It has been documented that no Norwegian funds were involved. Therefore, the case has been closed.
Nepal: Nepal Association of the Blind: Misuse of funds in the field revealed, NOK 21 103, - has been repaid to Norad.
2014
Lesotho: Lesotho National Federation of the Disabled (LNFOD): Unsatisfactory documentation of payments, NOK 6 579, - has been repaid to Norad.
The numbers are taken from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs report on financial fraud.
Questions
If you have questions about the Atlas Alliance's anti-corruption work, you can contact program advisor Anders Hosar via email: anders.hosar@atlas-alliansen.no