International Anti – Corruption dayArchief
Voorlichting & Communicatie, van het Ministerie van Justitie en Politie.
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December 9, 2009
Press Statement
Joint Statement UNDP and Ministry of Justice and Police
International Anti – Corruption day
The 9th December has been designated by the United Nations as International Anti-Corruption Day. The negative impacts of corruption and corrupt practices are no longer questioned.
Numerous studies have demonstrated how corruption erodes the rule of law, weakens the performance of governments and public institutions, destroys public trust in governance institutions, diminishes the practice of democracy, and is the enemy of good governance. The theme for this year’s Anti-Corruption Day has been pointedly chosen to be: “Don’t let corruption kill development”.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption entered into force on 14 December 2005 and as of today, 141 countries have ratified this instrument. The Convention provides a framework for criminalization, asset recovery, international cooperation and prevention of corruption.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been involved in accountability, transparency and integrity programmes since the early 90s through the activities of its Country Offices as a necessary complement to the Organization’s mandate on poverty reduction, realization of the MDGs and promoting sustainable development.
The Government of Suriname has recognized that transparent and accountable institutions and the elimination of corrupt practices are necessary for the social and economic development of Suriname.
By ratification of the “Inter-American Convention against Corruption” Suriname has shown its commitment to do all within its legislative limits to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption in the performance of public functions.
Together with the Ministry of Justice and Police, UNDP is implementing the Human Rights, Access to Justice and Anti-Corruption project. This programme which will run for three years was signed by the Ministers of Justice and Police; Planning and Development Cooperation and UNDP.
Based on the project document, UNDP is committed to assist the Government to combat corruption through the provision of technical support for the training of key anti-corruption officials; the development of awareness strategies for Parliamentarians, Government Officials and the general public; and support for ratifying and operationalizing the UN Convention Against Corruption.
To integrate the policies of all Ministries, inter-ministerial cooperation was deemed crucial. On 10th November 2009 the Project Board on Anti-Corruption was established by the Minister of Justice and Police. The Project Board has a monitoring, evaluating and coordinating role in the area of anti-corruption.
The project board consists of the Ministries of Justice and Police, Planning and Development Cooperation; Foreign Affairs; Home Affairs; Finance; Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries; Regional Development; Education; Trade and Industry; Public Works and UNDP.