The poor and vulnerable “suffer disproportionately” as a result of corruption around the world, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the UN Security Council this week.
Addressing the council on Monday, Guterres cited World Economic Forum data showing corruption costs the global economy an estimated $US2.6 trillion a year – or five per cent of global gross domestic product – and said it is present in all nations, “rich and poor, North and South, developed and developing”.
He also cited World Bank data showing businesses and individuals pay more than $US1 trillion in bribes each year.
Outlining many of the effects of corruption in his speech, he said it robs schools and hospitals of funding, deprives people of their rights, despoils the environment and breeds disillusion with government.
“The poor and vulnerable suffer disproportionately. And impunity compounds the problem.”
Guterres said corruption can also be a trigger for conflict and impede recovery afterwards.
“The consequences of corruption in times of conflict can be especially devastating as they can affect the most basic needs and exacerbate hunger and poverty,” he said.
The UN head called on member states to “be on the frontline against corruption”.
“It is especially important to build up the capacity of national anti-corruption commissions and prosecutorial efforts,” he said. “Governments can also enhance anti-corruption efforts by ensuring independent judiciaries, a vibrant civil society, freedom of the media and effective whistleblower protections.”
He said people across the world “continue to express outrage at the corruption of their leaders, and at how deeply corruption is embedded in societies”.
“They are rightly calling for political establishments to operate with transparency and accountability – or make way for those who will. I call on leaders everywhere to listen, to nurture a culture of integrity and to empower citizens to do their part at the grass roots. We must all do more to fight corruption, strengthen governance and build trustworthy institutions that can ensure probity and progress for all.”
