Collective Effort by Government and Civil Society Crucial to Fight Corruption
As the world marks International Anticorruption Day, the United States of America reaffirmed its commitment to fight corruption.
In his remarks in Washington DC, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States is committed to using every tool at its disposal to combat the scourge.
In fact, the US has joined with 177 other nations to adopt the UN Convention against Corruption.
“Together with the G-20, we adopted new principles that will raise standards for integrity and transparency in public procurement and in opening government data to the public.” – Secretary Kerry
He pointed out that for the first time, the UN Sustainable Development Goals now include access to justice, accountable institutions, and the reduction of illicit financial flows as essential building blocks for lasting progress.
In addition, the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to advance democratic accountability and transparency, and to root out corruption wherever it lies.
Corruption Fuels Instability
According to Secretary Kerry, bad governance is one of the biggest challenges globally. For one corruption is inevitable. But its cost could be detrimental to the state.
“The cost of corruption is beyond debate: it fuels instability and robs innocent people of their due and their possibilities.” – Secretary Kerry
However, Secretary Kerry stressed the need of collective effort to fight the scourge. The governments cannot fight the scourge of corruption alone. There is a need also of the actions and support of the civil society and the private sector to fight corruption.
The United Nations’ (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day is always observed on December 9 annually. The days aims to raise public awareness of corruption and reaffirmed commitment to combat the surge of corruption.
