UN calls for increased efforts to combat corruption

Every year on December 9, the world celebrates International Anti-Corruption Day with an aim to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it.

Corruption is an issue that affects all countries around the world.

It contributes to a lack of trust and confidence in governance and leadership, undermines democracy, and sets countries back economically.

In a statement, the UNDP says: “Strengthening anti-corruption measures and building transparent institutions is a priority task for governments and citizens around the world, including in Papua New Guinea.

“With preparations now underway for the 2017 Elections and APEC 2018, anti-corruption work also becomes increasingly important for Papua New Guinean leaders to demonstrate their commitment and integrity.

“Preventing and combating corruption requires transparency and accountability at all levels.”

UNDP has been supporting Papua New Guinea in strengthening transparent and accountable institutions.

It is working with the National Parliament and the Bougainville House of Representatives to support capacity development, governance reforms and bringing more transparency measures, reads the statement.

“As part of this work, UNDP has helped to introduce new Hansard system in Bougainville House of Representatives that enables the production of transcripts of Parliament’s debates and sessions. This tool, used globally, aims to help to improve accountability and transparency of the work of Parliament for citizens,” reads the statement.

UNDP is also working closely with PNG’s Department of Finance to introduce targeted anti-corruption intervention – ‘Phones Against Corruption’ initiative.

“This anonymous free of charge corruption reporting tool allowed to reveal more than 200 corruption cases. It has also led to two public official arrests with more cases being under investigation.”

Roy Trivedy, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea, said: “Tackling corruption is everyone’s responsibility: Governments and civil society organisations, the private sector and the media, the public including youth – all of us have a role to play.

“On this International Anti-Corruption Day we urge everyone to act against corruption. Let’s unite and become part of the solution,” he said.

“The UN will continue to provide its support to the Government of Papua New Guinea by bringing in expertise and policy support to enhance transparency and accountability,” he added.

(Civil servant in PNG using “Phones Against Corruption” service)

Author: 
Press release