Corruption is one of the most complex social, political and economic phenomena which has affected all countries in the world. So to spread awareness regarding the issues and the role of convention in fighting it, we observe International Anti-Corruption Day every year on December 9.
On 31st October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The Assembly also designated 9th December as International Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and the role of the convention in prevention it and it was only in 2005 that Convention came into force.
The theme of the day in 2019 was, ‘United Against Corruption’ which focused on corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will continue to support the 2030 Agenda, which forms the backbone of the campaign, not just this, the campaign will also have a youth component. Mobilising and empowering Youth For Justice is key for ensuring sustainable solutions to fight corruption.
Every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5% of the global GDP. In developing countries, funds lost to corruption are estimated at 10 times the amount of official development assistance.
In developing countries, according to the United Nations Development Programme, funds lost to corruption are estimated at ten times the amount of official development assistance. Furthermore, the United Nation asserted Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune.
According to the ‘India Corruption Survey 2019’, conducted by independent agencies Transparency International India (TII) and LocalCircles, the percentage of people who had paid bribes fell from 58% in 2018 to 51% in 2019. In 2017, the figure was 45%. The survey revealed that people in Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, Goa and Odisha reported low instances of corruption while Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Punjab had higher occurrences. Also, India was ranked at 78th place out of 180 countries in ‘Corruption Perception Index’ (CPI) released by Transparency International in 2018. India was ranked 81 in 2017 and 79 in 2016.
Corruption thrives in times of crisis and the ongoing global pandemic is no exception. The COVID-19 crisis threatens to push more than 100 million people into extreme poverty this year alone. To save lives and livelihoods, governments are spending and fast-tracking economic stimulus packages. Corruption is targeting these emergency measures, weakening vital health and social systems, with lethal consequences.
People have lost jobs and social protection in the crisis, giving rise to dangerous frustrations and turmoil. In our time of greatest need, corruption is fuelling even greater instability. Now more than ever, governments need to use the tools provided by the UN Convention against Corruption to further strengthen anti-corruption bodies, improve oversight over stimulus investments, and increase transparency and accountability.
As guardian of the Convention, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has supported 179 countries to date to implement this global framework, and we are working with governments to promote anti-corruption action in the COVID response and recovery.
States all over the world have taken significant measures to address the health emergency and to avoid a global economic collapse. They hastily mobilized billions in funds to procure medical equipment and provide an economic safety net for citizens and businesses in distress. The urgent responses required, however, led some States to trade compliance, oversight and accountability for achievement of rapid impact, thus creating significant opportunities for corruption.
“RECOVER with INTEGRITY” highlights that only by putting effective corruption mitigation measures in place will a better recovery be possible, while it also emphasizes that inclusive COVID-19 recovery can only be achieved with integrity.
International Anti-Corruption Day is a time for political leaders, governments, legal bodies and lobby groups to work together against corruption work by promoting the day and the issues that surround this event. On this day anti-corruption advocates organize events to engage the general public to effectively fight against corruption and fraud in communities. Other activities that promote the day include: Musicals and plays to publicize the message of fighting against corruption, Keynote speeches by those who were victims of corruption or fought against it, Essay competitions on issues surrounding the topic of corruption, and the dissemination of posters, flyers and other material to increase awareness levels on corruption.
Some organizations hold special recognition ceremonies to pay tribute to people and projects that provide assistance to nations and communities in the battle against corruption.
The roundtable aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes we need to makes to minimize corruption on the continent. This year’s celebration will be different from previous years; it will be an online event, a reflection of the New Normal
