UN calls for increased efforts to combat corruption as part of International Anti-Corruption Day

UN calls for increased efforts to combat corruption as part of International Anti-Corruption Day Port Moresby, 6 December, 2016 – Every year on 9th of December 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. 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 2018 Elections and APEC 2019, 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. UNDP is working with the National Parliament and the Bougainville House of Representatives to support capacity development, governance reforms and bringing more transparency measures. 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.

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.
“Tackling corruption is everyone’s responsibility: governments and civil society organizations, 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” said Roy Trivedy, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea.

He also outlined some of the actions public can take to fight corruption:
- Strengthen democracy by informing themselves about the rule of law and what the Government has pledged to do to fight corruption;
- Promote justice by coming forward and reporting incidences of corruption to the authorities;
- Support education by teaching children that corruption is unacceptable. Elders can teach children the value of integrity for example by refusing to pay or accept bribes, facilitation fees or gifts;
- Safeguard development by telling elected officials that fighting corruption should be an integral part of all development policies.
“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.
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