The United Nations’ (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day aims to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it. It is observed on December 9 each year. The International Anti-corruption Day commemorates the 2003 opening of the UN Convention against Corruption for signature. Since that day 158 countries have joined the movement which aims to prevent corruption, prosecute corrupt acts and to recover stolen properties.
Aid given to developing counties by Governments and international agencies such as World Bank, Asian Development Bank and USAID are stolen by politicians and public officials. Poor and vulnerable are robbed of education, health care and other essential services.
UN Secretary General in his message to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day said that The United Nations Convention Against Corruption was a powerful tool to combat corruption. He urged all governments that have not yet ratified the Convention to do so without further delay.The United Nations, he said, was helping countries combat corruption as part of its broader, system-wide campaign to help bolster democracy and good governance.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, released a press statement to mark the International Anticorruption Day of 2011. She said that International Anticorruption Day is to celebrate the work of activists, businesses, and government officials who tirelessly fight to end corruption and promote open and transparent government.
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