Fiji Steps Up Fight Against Corruption on International Anti-Corruption Day
Suva, Fiji - December 9th, 2020
As Fiji continues its efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, the nation has also marked International Anti-Corruption Day with a renewed commitment to preventing corruption and bribery. The United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project partnered with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on December 9th to commemorate the day.
“I Don’t Accept Bribes” Campaign Launched
At a joint event, FICAC launched a nationwide “I don’t accept bribes” campaign and badge. The badge carries the message “I don’t accept bribes” and serves as a symbol of integrity and transparency. FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam invited civil servants to wear the badge with pride, stating that it demonstrates honesty and commitment to transparency.
Fighting Corruption in Fiji
Corruption is a significant threat to Fiji’s security and prosperity, with bribery being the most prevalent form of corruption. FICAC highlighted the need for education on the evils of corruption and bribery, urging the public to stand up against corrupt demands and report wrongdoers.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16
The launch of the “I don’t accept bribes” campaign is a major initiative in Fiji’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG) Target 16.5 - to substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
Event Attendance
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including:
- President Jioji Konusi Konrote
- Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
- UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative Levan Bouadze
- Australian Acting High Commissioner Anna Dorney
- New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr
United Nations-PRAC Project
The United Nations-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. The project aims to assist Pacific countries in recovering with integrity and is aligned with Fiji’s commitment to implementing UNCAC articles 7 on public sector transparency and 15 on bribery of national public officials.
International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day is being commemorated globally under the theme “Recover with Integrity”. Fiji’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to addressing corruption and promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in all sectors.