Corruption is ultimate betrayal of public trust

On today’s International Anti-Corruption Day, the United Nations in Malawi underlines the need to root out corruption if Malawi is to recover better from COVID-19 and accelerate progress to achieve sustainable development by 2030.

UN Resident Coordinator, Maria Jose Torres, said, while corruption impacts every country, it is the poor who are hurt the most as it hinders their access to essential services as well as opportunities to prosper together.

“Malawi should vigorously deal with the endemic corruption that has potential to ruin efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and undermine democracy and the rule of law,” said Torres.

Human rights violations, impunity, market distortions and organized crime all surge when corruption thrives. This erodes quality of life, threatens human security and exacerbates human suffering.

“Preventing corruption means that every dollar spent on development activities actually brings the intended impact of transforming lives and communities. A robust and unbiased fight against corruption therefore contributes to reducing inequalities and eradicating poverty,” said Torres.

The UN commends those in Malawi who have shown their determination to fight corruption and calls for increased independence, empowerment and support to institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Ombudsman.

To win the fight against corruption, more robust systems for accountability, transparency and integrity are needed; businesspeople must act responsibly; and a vibrant civic space and open access to information should be guaranteed. A change in behaviour to uproot a culture of corruption and instill positive values are essential.

On this occasion, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has said: “Corruption is criminal, immoral and the ultimate betrayal of public trust… I urge all governments and all leaders to be transparent and accountable, and to use the tools provided by the United Nations Convention against Corruption.”

International Anti-Corruption Day was designated to raise awareness about the need to deal with corruption, to mobilize political will and resources to address corruption, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements in the fight against corruption.

This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to reflect on ways of improving anti-fraud culture in our activities, partnerships and with the communities in which we operate.

The UN has zero tolerance towards fraud and corruption.

********************************************

Currently, there are more than 20 Agencies and specialized organizations of the United Nations active in Malawi which, through their work, contribute to ensuring a better life for the people of Malawi.

For more information, contact: Development Coordination Officer (Programme Communications and Advocacy) in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Phillip Pemba, on phillip.pemba@one.un.org or +265995271671.