Fiji Commemorates International Anti-Corruption Day, Launches Nationwide Campaign Against Bribery and Corruption

A Joint Effort to Combat Corruption in Fiji

Suva, Fiji - December 9, 2020: The United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day with a joint event, marking the launch of FICAC’s nationwide “I Don’t Accept Bribes” campaign.

Launching the “I Don’t Accept Bribes” Campaign

The campaign aims to promote integrity among civil servants and encourage the public to reject bribery and corruption. To support this effort, a badge featuring the slogan “I Don’t Accept Bribes” will be distributed to all civil servants in 2021.

Emphasis on Anti-Bribery Efforts

FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam highlighted the focus of the campaign, stating that anti-bribery efforts are the most prevalent form of corruption in Fiji. He warned that bribery has far-reaching consequences that threaten national security and prosperity, emphasizing the need to educate the public about the evils of corruption and bribery.

Aligning with International Commitments

The “I Don’t Accept Bribes” campaign is fully aligned with Fiji’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.5, which aims to substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms. The campaign also supports the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day

International Anti-Corruption Day is being commemorated around the world today under the theme “Recover with Integrity”. The event in Suva featured messages from Fiji’s President, His Excellency Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote, Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Civil Service and Communications Honorable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative Levan Bouadze, Australian Acting High Commissioner to Fiji Ms Anna Dorney, and New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Mr Jonathan Curr.

The UN-PRAC Project

The UN-PRAC Project is a joint initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Australian Government and the New Zealand Aid Programme.