All you need to know about International Anti-Corruption Day

Corruption is a complex socio-political and economic issue which plagues the entire world. Every year, December 9 is marked as International Anti-Corruption Day with an objective of raising awareness about it globally and to come up with measures to combat this social malice. This day also aims to draw attention to the fact that this issue is one that has to be tackled at all levels of society.  

Theme of International Anti-Corruption Day 
This year, the theme for this day is “Your right, your role: Say no to corruption.” This theme seeks to highlight that each person holds responsibility and has a role in the prevention of corruption, and in the fight against it.  

A 6-week campaign was also launched in November which shared examples of preventing and countering corruption, tackling its linkages with other types of crime and creating innovative solutions. Additionally, the campaign placed value on youth engagement in this conversation, by advancing prevention through education. 

History behind the International Anti-Corruption Day 
On October 31, 2003, the General Assembly of the United Nations established the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which came into effect in 2005. This is the only anti-corruption instrument that exists which is legally binding on all the nations which are a part of this convention. The UN decided to designate December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day as a way to highlight the efforts and measures undertaken by the UNCAC to combat this global malpractice.  

Significance of International Anti-Corruption Day 
It is estimated that corruption takes up 5% of the global GDP. Apart from raising awareness and encouraging individuals, organisations and governments to avoid and report corrupt practices, the International Anti-Corruption Day also seeks to protect whistle-blowers. Through this day, the UNCAC places responsibility on governments around the world to provide adequate protection to those who risk their lives by alerting authorities about corrupt practices within the system. It also emphasises that corruption today is one of the toughest hurdles when it comes to achieving sustainable development goals. The UN launched a “Say No” campaign in order to mark this day and encourage people to take a stand against corruption.