Africa-Press – Namibia. FIGHTING corruption takes commitment, endurance and determination.
International Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated on the 9th of December every year, following its adoption by the United Nations Convention against Corruption by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 58/4 of 31st October 2003.
This year’s commemoration is observed under the theme, ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption’.
Anti-corruption Director General Paulus Noa said the primary objectives are to harmonise global anti-corruption efforts by reminding people to continue speaking out against corruption, to raise awareness on the importance of preventing corruption, and it is a day for public sector, business community, civil society organisations and individual citizens to work in unison and denounce corruption.
According to him, the day reminds everyone about the need to act and serve with integrity.
“Central to the day is recognition of the fact that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones to adherence to the rules and procedures of governance,” he said.
He added that this is the day to remind themselves that corruption has devastating impact to the economy and development, therefore should not be tolerated.
Resident Representative to Namibia United Nations, Alka Bhatia said corruption remains a complex global problem that undermines democracy, weakens trust in public institutions, exacerbates inequalities, and slows down economic progress.
Bhatia said that in recent years, corruption has resulted in outburst of anger and exasperation as a result of corrupt leaders and governments.
In some countries, people have taken to the streets to demand social justice and accountability.
“The COVID-19 pandemic battle also served as a catalyst for corruption. It created unique economic conditions and provided new opportunities for corrupt practices,” she said.
She added that this embroiled governments efforts to get economies back on track and weakened the procurement practices of emergency items.
This in turn, has undermined social welfare and investment in the public services, thereby eroding the quality of life and producing a decline in average life expectancy for those ‘furthest behind’.
Bhatia stressed that the fight against corruption must be part of broader national and international reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening good governance, combating illicit financial flows and tax havens, and returning stolen resources, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
She then reaffirms a call for action, to promote anti-corruption measures, to expand their partnerships, to strengthen oversight, accountability and transparency, building on the global tools provided by the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
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