Financial Crime World

The Digital Divide in Kiribati: A Challenge to Transparency and Accountability

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Only 5% of Population Uses High-Speed Internet

A recent report by the World Bank reveals a significant digital divide in Kiribati, where only 5% of the population uses high-speed internet on a regular basis. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by the country in promoting transparency and accountability.

The Importance of Civil Society Organizations

Despite this challenge, civil society organizations in Kiribati are working to promote transparency and accountability. These organizations focus on issues such as:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Environmental conservation
  • Development assistance
  • Advocacy for women and children

The Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organisations (KANGO) is an umbrella organization that brings together 39 civil society groups to share knowledge and resources. KANGO plays a crucial role in promoting good governance and fighting corruption in the country.

The Challenge of Corruption

Corruption remains a significant challenge in Kiribati, with many cases of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds reported in recent years. The government has taken steps to combat corruption, including:

  • Establishing anti-corruption bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission
  • Implementing measures to prevent corruption

However, many citizens remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. A survey conducted by Transparency International found that 75% of Kiribati citizens believe that corruption is widespread in the country.

The Impact of Limited Internet Access

The lack of access to high-speed internet is also seen as a major obstacle to effective governance and transparency in Kiribati. Many government services, including online portals for public information and reporting corruption, are not accessible to the majority of citizens due to limited internet connectivity.

Conclusion

While there are significant challenges facing Kiribati’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability, civil society organizations such as KANGO are playing a crucial role in promoting good governance and fighting corruption. The government must prioritize addressing the digital divide and improving access to high-speed internet to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities to participate in the country’s development.

Recommendations

  • Prioritize investing in infrastructure to improve access to high-speed internet
  • Implement measures to promote transparency and accountability in government services
  • Support civil society organizations in their efforts to promote good governance and fight corruption