International day against corruption

भ्रष्टाचारलाई नाई भनौं, हरेक नाई को मुल्य हुन्छ ।
Say No to Corruption, Every No counts!

Every year on December 9, Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated around the world to raise the voice against corruption. In 2003, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the day as Anti-Corruption Day.Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the start-up costs required because of corruption.

On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4).

The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

Today, the focus is on raising awareness about corruption around the world. Corruption can be reduced if the importance of humanity, morality, and a simple lifestyle without ambition is inculcated in the people. On the other hand, if we can set an example by taking action against the corrupt, we can move forward towards the path of radical development by reducing corruption in the coming days.
The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority has been constituted as a constitutional body to take action against the persons holding positions in various bodies of any institution or state in Nepal.

We need to learn to live happily and earn our living without being plagued by constant new dreams, including money and a happy lifestyle. It is also our right and obligation to pay taxes to the government and to advocate for it. Making a fortune through corruption may be short-lived. Such wealth afflicts generations.

Corruption thrives in times of crisis and the ongoing COVID pandemic is no exception. Every state in the world has taken the best measures to address this crisis and to avoid global economic collapse. Billions of funds are being engaged in procuring medical equipment and an economic safety net for people and businesses in distress. This creates magnificent opportunities for corruption, this year's anti-corruption day focuses on the crisis and corruption.

"Recover with Integrity" is the slogan for this year which strongly highlights in putting effective corruption mitigation measures. This also focuses that inclusive COVID recovery can only be achieved with integrity.

Best wishes of this day.

Suyog Dhakal