Narrow Resource Base Hinders Fight Against Corruption in Pacific Island Countries

Pacific Island Countries face a significant impediment in their fight against corruption: a narrow resource base. This limited availability of resources hinders their ability to meet their obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Capacity Building Challenges

Capacity building is crucial for countries to have the necessary skills, knowledge, and competence in implementing national strategies on anti-corruption. However, institutions established to combat corruption, such as Kiribati’s Leadership Commission and Anti-Corruption Unit of the Public Service Office, lack the required skills and knowledge to carry out investigations.

• A 2018 report by Shane Cave, a UNODC consultant, highlighted the issue of investigative deficiency at the Police Force and Leadership Commission.
• The report recommended capacity training for concerned staff in-country or abroad, as well as considering twinning arrangements with other countries to strengthen institutional capacities.

Limited Resources

The limited resources available to Pacific Island Countries also hinder their ability to:

• Conduct corruption risk assessments
• Develop and review national anti-corruption strategies and policies
• Implement effective anti-corruption measures

These limitations are exacerbated by the lack of financial resources, human capacity, and technological infrastructure. This narrow resource base has significant implications for:

• The development of independent integrity bodies or coordination mechanisms to prevent and fight corruption
• The ability of civil society, media, and non-state actors to participate effectively in national and regional anti-corruption efforts

Regional Efforts

The Teieniwa Conference on Pacific Unity Against Corruption, held recently in Kiribati, brought together leaders from across the region to discuss these challenges and agree on a shared vision for combating corruption. The conference emphasized the importance of:

• Strengthening public awareness, education, transparency, and accountability to prevent corruption and promote good governance

Conclusion

The narrow resource base is a critical challenge that hinders the fight against corruption in Pacific Island Countries. To effectively combat corruption, it is essential to address this challenge through:

• Capacity building
• Twinning arrangements
• Increased financial resources