International Anti-Corruption Day (09/12)

At the initiative of the UN (resolution A/RES/58/4), International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated annually on December 9.

On this day in 2003, in the Mexican city of Merida, the UN Convention against Corruption was opened for signature at the High-Level Political Conference. It came into force in December 2005.

The document obliges the signatory states to criminalize bribes, theft of budget funds and laundering of corruption proceeds. According to one of the provisions of the Convention, it is necessary to return funds to the country from which they came as a result of corruption.

2003 Convention — the first document of its kind. It is especially important for countries where the corruption of all structures harms national well-being.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Hans Corell, announcing the decision to establish an International Anti-Corruption Day, called on representatives of more than 100 countries gathered for the conference to sign the Convention. It should become an important tool of international law to combat corruption, which harms the development of countries and poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law regime«.

Russia was among the first countries to sign the Convention. As the head of the Russian delegation, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexei Meshkov, emphasized then in a speech at the forum: «Russia is waging an uncompromising fight against corruption and is ready for constructive interaction on the anti-corruption front with all states and relevant international organizations». Russia also has several anti-corruption laws.

After all, corruption — is a complex social, economic and political phenomenon that, to one degree or another, affects all countries, regardless of the level of development. It slows down the economic development of society and undermines state foundations. No country, no region, no society is immune from corruption.

According to the International Monetary Fund, corruption costs the global economy about $1.5 trillion annually, or 2% of global GDP.

In addition, corruption not only accompanies conflicts, but is often one of their root causes. It fuels conflict and impedes peace processes by undermining the rule of law, exacerbating poverty, promoting the illicit use of resources and providing funding for armed conflict.

Preventing corruption, promoting transparency and strengthening institutions were crucial to achieving the sustainable development goals.

Therefore, on this day, demonstrations, meetings, conferences, seminars and other events dedicated to International Anti-Corruption Day and dedicated to a specific topic every year are held in many countries around the world.

Russia is no exception here. On this day, public organizations, educational institutions, government officials, law enforcement agencies and, in general, all concerned citizens in many Russian cities hold a variety of actions and events, leaflets and posters are printed telling about the dangers of corruption and methods of combating it.



Postcard December «9 — International Anti-Corruption Day»

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