Transparency International declares war on corruption in the Pacific [1]
Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 19:17. Updated on Monday, July 20, 2015 - 16:09.
There is increasing urgency for more effective combating of corruption in the Pacific according to the Pacific chapters of Transparency International, from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand, and the TI Secretariat from Berlin. TI called for the promotion of good governance to be given the highest priority by Pacific governments, civil society organisations and citizens.
Continued levels of corruption in many Pacific countries condemn citizens to economic and social instability and generate unrest which is increasingly violent. Misuse of resources of all kinds for personal gain degrades law enforcement agencies, health and education systems, vital infrastructure such as roads and destroys natural resources such as forests, fisheries and water catchments and much of the environment at large. A few people become wealthy at the expense of many citizens, leading to growing levels of poverty and resentment.
TI chapters have committed themselves to expand their activities to promote effective and equitable enforcement of the law. Chapters will continue to help citizens engage with their leaders and demand more transparent decision making and delivery of public services to all.
All Pacific chapters have growing national memberships, networks of local allies and international support, and confidently look forward to bringing about a change in the decision making practices of their countries.
TI chapters want more open decision-making so citizens are better informed about the way their country is run. This has to be complemented by civic education programmes in schools and communities to help citizens understand the way corruption affects them, and so they know their rights and responsibilities, and the ways in which they can help combat corruption.
Chapter priorities:
...To mobilise a widespread coalition of community groups to oppose corruption.
...To develop civic education programmes for schools and communities
...Governments to implement the 8 Principles of Accountability agreed to by all Pacific Forum countries in 1997
...Governments to address corruption in forestry and fishing
...Governments to ensure that law enforcement agencies and the legal system identify and prosecute in a timely manner those who are corrupt.
...Governments to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. TI Pacific Regional Conference, 27-29/04/07.