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Nations Urged to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Laws and Cooperation

A new report has called on nations to take concrete steps to strengthen their anti-corruption laws and cooperation mechanisms.

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Laws

The report, compiled by a group of international experts, highlights the need for countries to adopt legislation that effectively prevents corruption and punishes those who engage in it. The report emphasizes the importance of adopting legislation that:

• Addresses obstruction of justice against justice officials
• Ensures related offenses are subject to appropriate penalties upon conviction
• Clarifies the application of the Interpretation Act to laws in force at the time of passage and adopted thereafter, to extend liability to legal persons for anti-corruption offenses

International Cooperation

In addition, the report calls on countries to:

• Establish effective, proportionate, and dissuasive sanctions against legal persons found guilty of corruption
• Enhance international cooperation and coordination to combat corruption, including through bilateral agreements and regional organizations

Solomon Islands’ Anti-Corruption Efforts

The report highlights Solomon Islands’ efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption laws and mechanisms. The country has recently enacted an Extradition Act that provides for the surrender of fugitive offenders between Commonwealth countries, treaty countries, and comity countries. However, the report notes that Solomon Islands has not yet used this legislation to extradite individuals suspected of corruption-related offenses.

The report also highlights the need for Solomon Islands to develop a more comprehensive strategy to combat corruption, including through:

• Public awareness campaigns
• Whistleblower protection laws
• Anti-corruption agencies with adequate resources and powers

Conclusion

In conclusion, the report emphasizes the importance of strengthening anti-corruption laws and mechanisms, as well as enhancing international cooperation and coordination to combat corruption. It notes that many countries have already taken steps to address corruption, but more needs to be done to effectively prevent and punish corruption.

The report recommends that countries adopt a comprehensive approach to combating corruption, including through:

• Legislative reforms
• Public awareness campaigns
• Whistleblower protection laws
• Anti-corruption agencies with adequate resources and powers

It also emphasizes the importance of enhancing international cooperation and coordination to combat corruption, and calls on countries to strengthen their anti-corruption laws and mechanisms to effectively prevent and punish corruption.