UNITED NATIONS – Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Tuesday in New York urged the 193 member-states of the United Nations to ratify and implement the UN Convention against Corruption.
In a message on the International Anti-Corruption Day, observed every year on Dec. 9, Ban, urged states to “dismantle corruption’s high walls”.
He said public services must uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that appointments are driven by merit.
“Public servants, as well as elected officials, must be guided by ethics, transparency and accountability.
“The private sector also has a crucial role. Good behaviour is good business. Business groups can convert anti-corruption action into firm support for sustainable development.
“I call on everyone to help end corruption, and come together for global fairness and equity.
“The world and its people can no longer afford, nor tolerate, corruption,” he said.
The UN official said corruption was a global phenomenon which strikes hardest at the poor, hinders inclusive economic growth and robs essential services of badly-needed funds.
“From cradle to grave, millions are touched by corruption’s shadow,’’ Ban said.
On this year’s observance of the International Anti-Corruption Day, he specifically called on people everywhere to get involved in “breaking the corruption chain”.
The UN secretary-general said the world would by 2015 agree on a new post-2015 sustainable development agenda.
“Our aim is to empower individuals and catalyse governments, the private sector and civil society to help lift millions out of poverty, protect the planet and achieve shared prosperity and dignity for all.
“Eliminating corruption and its harmful impacts will be crucial to our future well-being,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that through resolution 58/4 of Oct. 31, 2003, the UN General Assembly designated Dec. 9 as the International Anti-Corruption Day.
This year’s theme is “Breaking Chain of Corruption”.
This decision is aimed at raising people’s awareness about corruption and the role of the UN Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it.
The assembly urged all states and competent regional economic integration organisations to sign and ratify the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to ensure its rapid entry into force.
UNCAC is the first legally binding international anti-corruption instrument that provides a chance to mount a global response to corruption.(NAN)