December 9: International Anti-Corruption Day

The International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is observed annually across the world on December 9 to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it. Observance of the day aims to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively. It also highlights the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it. The theme for year 2017 is “United against corruption for development, peace and security”.
This year UNODC and UNDP have developed joint global campaign, focusing on how corruption affects education, health, justice, democracy, prosperity and development. The 2017 joint international campaign focuses on corruption as one of the biggest impediments to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Corruption

Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune from corruption. According to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 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 global GDP. In developing countries, funds lost to corruption are estimated at 10 times amount of official development assistance.

Background

The International Anti-Corruption Day was instituted by UN General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 58/4 of October 31, 2003. It was adopted to raise people’s awareness of corruption and role of United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in combating and preventing it. The UNCAC is the first legally binding, international anti-corruption instrument that provides a chance to mount a global response to corruption.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2017