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Countries Urged to Develop Skills and Knowledge to Combat Corruption
In an effort to combat corruption in the Pacific region, countries have been urged to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to implement national strategies effectively.
Call to Action
During a recent conference on Pacific Unity Against Corruption, leaders from 14 Pacific Island Countries reaffirmed their commitment to fighting corruption. The conference was attended by President of Kiribati, Prime Minister of Samoa, Prime Minister of Cook Islands, Vice President of Kiribati, Ministers from Kingdom of Tonga and Solomon Islands, Ambassador of the Republic of Marshall Islands, High Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand, and representative of Fiji.
Skills and Knowledge Development
The conference highlighted the need for countries to develop the necessary skills and knowledge in anti-corruption investigation. A report by Shane Cave (UNODC Consultant) found that staff at the Police Force and Leadership Commission lacked the required skills and knowledge to carry out investigations effectively. The report recommended capacity training for concerned staff, either in-country or abroad, as well as twinning arrangements between anti-corruption institutions.
Political Will and Leadership
The conference also emphasized the importance of political will and leadership in addressing corruption, urging leaders to champion integrity and advocate for anti-corruption practices in their parliaments, public services, private sectors, and entire communities.
Key Issues Discussed
Other key issues discussed during the conference included:
- The absence of a whistleblower protection law
- Outdated laws, which hindered the fight against corruption
The conference recommended provision of technical assistance on legal drafting to assist and build on national efforts in strengthening and modernizing existing and old legal frameworks on anti-corruption.
Teieniwa Vision
The Teieniwa Vision, adopted by the conference, commits countries to:
- Uniting against corruption
- Promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability
- Recognizing the importance of political will and leadership in addressing corruption
- Urging leaders to champion integrity and advocate for anti-corruption practices
Recommendations
- Develop skills and knowledge in anti-corruption investigation through capacity training for concerned staff
- Implement twinning arrangements between anti-corruption institutions
- Provide technical assistance on legal drafting to assist and build on national efforts in strengthening and modernizing existing and old legal frameworks on anti-corruption
- Adopt a whistleblower protection law
- Promote good governance, transparency, and accountability
Conclusion
The conference marked an important step towards uniting the Pacific region against corruption. The adoption of the Teieniwa Vision provides a framework for countries to work together to combat corruption and promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.