ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY DECEMBER 9, 2011

It’s Time for New Zealand to Approve United Nations Convention Against Corruption

Newly-elected Chair of Transparency International (New Zealand), Suzanne Snively, welcomed the acknowledgement of International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2011.

International Anti-Corruption Day is an important recognition of the on-going efforts needed globally to combat the scourge of corruption.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations’ message released on the day highlights that the UNCAC is a powerful tool in the fight against corruption. The Secretary-General urged all governments that had not yet ratified UNCAC to do so without delay.

Snively commented that:
“New Zealand falls into the small number of developed countries yet to ratify UNCAC. Given its strong regard overseas as a leader, perceived to have the lowest levels of corruption of any country, this is sending a mixed signal.”

The category of countries who have not yet ratified UNCAC includes many who have high levels of corruption.

According to Snively:
“Transparency International New Zealand will be strongly lobbying the New Zealand Government next year, to ensure ratification happens early in this term. New Zealand’s reputation for good governance and low corruption is an important driver of economic prosperity. UNCAC approval is an essential signal of our determination to maintain a leadership role.”

While New Zealand signed the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) almost 8 years ago, it now stands as one of only a tiny number of countries which has not yet ratified the convention, and consideration of the convention has been languishing in select committee “other business” for more than two years. TI-NZ strongly encourages the new Government to address this urgently.

Transparency International New Zealand is the local chapter of Transparency International and is an independent registered charity. Information on TI-NZ, including New Zealand’s performance in the Global Corruption Barometer and the As Good As We Are Perceived? report can be found at www.transparency.org.nz

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