Corruption
Corruption is, indeed, an issue of concern to those who are committed to global justice. However, it is not just a development issue. Corruption occurs in all countries, where the mix of opportunity and inclination exists, especially in the interface between the private and public sector.
Where it exists, corruption destabilises democratic government, harms trade and investment, threatens the environment and encourages the abuse of human rights. It impinges on basic social services and threatens the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Corruption thrives when public accountability is weak. Its greatest victims are the most vulnerable groups in society - the poor, women and children, the sick and the old.
In short, corruption hits the poor especially, and should therefore be tackled.
The best way to do this is by strengthening formal and informal checks and balances, promoting accountability and enforcing legislation.
Transparency is the greatest enemy of corruption. Cutting aid does nothing to eradicate bribery; supporting accountability mechanisms, on the other hand, does work. Contrary to popular belief, free markets and noninterventionism are not remedies for corruption.
No system is entirely free of corruption. Furthermore, corruption exacerbates the already difficult circumstances of States in conflict situations and those with economies in transition. It is widely accepted that corruption is an impediment to development. If not addressed as a priority, it may hinder all other efforts to effectively advance the development agenda, both at the international and the national level. At a minimum, the fight against corruption requires unconditional commitment from the political leadership and a corruption-free judiciary. Threats and trends
Political corruption covers a wide range of practices from irregular party and election financing and vote buying to trading in influence by politicians and elected public officials.
Where it exists, corruption destabilises democratic government, harms trade and investment, threatens the environment and encourages the abuse of human rights. It impinges on basic social services and threatens the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Corruption thrives when public accountability is weak. Its greatest victims are the most vulnerable groups in society - the poor, women and children, the sick and the old.
In short, corruption hits the poor especially, and should therefore be tackled.
The best way to do this is by strengthening formal and informal checks and balances, promoting accountability and enforcing legislation.
Transparency is the greatest enemy of corruption. Cutting aid does nothing to eradicate bribery; supporting accountability mechanisms, on the other hand, does work. Contrary to popular belief, free markets and noninterventionism are not remedies for corruption.
No system is entirely free of corruption. Furthermore, corruption exacerbates the already difficult circumstances of States in conflict situations and those with economies in transition. It is widely accepted that corruption is an impediment to development. If not addressed as a priority, it may hinder all other efforts to effectively advance the development agenda, both at the international and the national level. At a minimum, the fight against corruption requires unconditional commitment from the political leadership and a corruption-free judiciary. Threats and trends
Political corruption covers a wide range of practices from irregular party and election financing and vote buying to trading in influence by politicians and elected public officials.