International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December

International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December

International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on December 9 with an aim to raise awareness against corruption and the measures that can be implemented to fight it. Corruption exists in all forms and is considered a threat to democracy. Therefore, it is important to unite the world to fight it. The day is a reminder and an opportunity to address the issue of corruption and shed light on the problems in the bureaucratic structures of the countries which impact the functioning of democracy and its institutions.

The UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption on October 31, 2003, and designated December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day.A request to the Secretary-General was also made to designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) (resolution 58/4). The aim of International Anti-Corruption Day was to raise awareness against corruption and the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The UNCAC entered into force in December 2005.

Background

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability.

Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the “start-up costs” required because of corruption.

On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4).

The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

Governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the media and citizens around the world are joining forces to fight this crime. The United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are at the forefront of these efforts.