CORRUPTION IS EVIL AND INSIDIOUS, MUST BE OPPOSED AT EVERY TURN, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE TO ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE
Press Release
SG/SM/6318
CORRUPTION IS EVIL AND INSIDIOUS, MUST BE OPPOSED AT EVERY TURN, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN MESSAGE TO ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE
19970905 Kofi Annan Stresses to International Gathering in Peru United Nations Commitment to Combat Forces of 'Uncivil Society' -- Crime, Drugs, TerrorismFollowing is the message of Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the Eighth International Anti-Corruption Conference -- Lima, 7 to 11 September -- to be delivered by Fernando Zumbado, Regional Director of the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
I am pleased to convey a message to this important gathering. The organizers and our host, the Government of Peru, deserve our gratitude for this impressive display of resolve in the fight against corruption.
Corruption is a curse and an attack on the foundations of any civilized society. It undermines morality, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. It swallows resources needed for development. And it is an affront to people who bring high ethical standards to their work and dealings with their fellow human beings and who expect the same in return, in the time-honoured tradition of "do unto others". Corruption is evil and insidious, and must be opposed at every turn.
A recent study by the United Nations Development Programme found that corruption can be especially brutal to the poor, since they are the weakest and the least able to pay bribes for government services and for access to market opportunities. We must eradicate this affliction, for it is that -- a disease, a symptom of something gone terribly wrong in the management of the state.
No country is immune from corruption, and many are especially vulnerable because of their weak laws and institutions. Corruption also has an international dimension. The same open borders, technological advances and transnational communications and commercial transactions that are the hallmarks of today's global society can also allow corruption to take root and flourish. International cooperation -- among governments, the private sector and civil society -- is thus essential if we are to defeat this menace.
Amid mounting concern about the costs of corruption over the past decade, the United Nations has focused increased attention on the question, particularly in the context of its work to combat crime, improve governance and strengthen institutions.
In 1990 and 1995, United Nations Crime Congresses discussed the impact of corruption on social and economic development. Last year, the General Assembly adopted the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials. The Assembly also approved the United Nations Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions. In addition, the Manual on Practical Measures against Corruption is constantly being updated and expanded.
The United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice has become the locus where anti-corruption policy options and practical measures have been finalized and offered to the international community. The Secretariat's Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division, which services the Commission, carries out technical assistance programmes and has collaborated with the United Nations International Drug Control Programme in elaborating a draft model law against corruption.
A major element of the reform package I presented to Member States in July is my proposal to consolidate all the Organization's efforts against crime, drugs and terrorism in a new, high-profile Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, based in Vienna. I am firmly committed to the fight against the forces of "uncivil society".
Future strategy and action against corruption should be guided by the 50 recommendations adopted by the Expert Group Meeting organized by the United Nations this year in Buenos Aires with the generous assistance of the Government of Argentina.
These include measures aimed at the disclosure by public officials of assets and liabilities; steps to introduce or strengthen independent auditing institutions; and measures to ensure free competition, including anti-trust regulations. The Expert Group Meeting also demonstrated the value of collaboration in this area among the World Bank, the Inter-American Bank, the Organization of American States and Interpol.
I fully welcome the various initiatives taken by these and other organizations.
The Organization of American States has elaborated an Inter-American Convention against Corruption. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has made a commitment to criminalize bribery of foreign public officials, and has started work on the elaboration of a new convention.
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The Council of Europe has established a multi-disciplinary group on corruption, while the European Union has agreed on a Protocol on Corruption. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions are taking steps to promote good governance as part of a radical reform of the role of the State, including the establishment of a "foundation of law".
At the same time, it is essential to avoid discrepancies in the anti- corruption measures proposed to and adopted by countries. This conference could provide useful input in this regard.
Let us work together to prevent and control corruption and to improve integrity in both the public and private sectors. There are no quick or certain fixes, but I believe we can accomplish much with the proper mix of legislative and administrative reforms, political "ownership" and public support. In that spirit, please accept my best wishes for a successful conference.
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