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SAARC Heads urged to control Corruption

 

Transparency International’s Regional Director and Heads of South Asian Chapters have urged the Heads of governments in the SAARC countries to re-affirm prioritize and take concrete steps to further advance accountable governance and corruption control at the SAARC Summit later this month.

In a joint letter, they have specifically told them to reiterate that corruption is a challenge of the highest priority for these countries individually and collectively, and to reaffirm that corruption must be addressed by multi-dimensional strategic interventions with particular emphasis on challenging impunity without fear of persecution.

They further requested them to make a firm commitment to strengthen institutions of accountability, people’s right to information and whistleblower protection and to strengthen institutions of accountability, particularly those mandated to control corruption.

The letter hs been signed by Dr. Srirak Plipat Transparency International (TI) Regional Director for Asia Pacific and the Executive Directors of the TI Chapters S. Ranugge (Sri Lanka), Iftekhar Zaman (Bangladesh),shutosh Mishra (India), Mariyam Shiuna (Maldives), Ashish Thapa (Nepal) and Saad Rashid, (Pakistan.

The letter was addressed to all Heads of the SAARC Region including President Mahinda Rajapakse. Following is the full text of the letter:

You’re Excellencies,

On behalf of Transparency International (TI) National Chapters in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and TI-Secretariat, we present most respectful compliments to you, your government as well as Heads of State or Government of SAARC countries on the occasion of the forthcoming SAARC Summit to be held in Kathmandu.

We have noted with satisfaction the high level of commitment of your government, and personally of your own, to institutionalize democracy, promote accountable governance and control corruption. We are aware that these are prominent in the agenda of your government.

We recall that during the 14th Summit of SAARC Heads of State or Government the issue of corruption was for the first time discussed and the Delhi Declaration issued at the end of that summit recognized corruption as “an issue of serious concern and (Heads of State or Government) agreed to exchange information on national experience in combating corruption to effectively address this problem.” This had opened unprecedented opportunities for complementing national efforts by regional cooperation to control the scourge of corruption in South Asia.

As recognized by all governments in South Asia, corruption continues to undermine efforts towards economic growth, social cohesion, equity, rule of law, justice and above all prospects of speedier, more effective and sustainable alleviation of poverty.

We, therefore, urge upon you most respectfully to reaffirm, prioritize and take concrete steps to further advance accountable governance and corruption control at the SAARC Summit later this month. Accordingly we call upon you to specifically:

a) Reiterate that corruption is a challenge of highest priority for countries of the region individually and collectively;
b) Reaffirm that corruption must be addressed by multi-dimensional strategic interventions with particular emphasis on challenging impunity without fear of persecution;
c) Bringing all expertise together develop an inclusive and sustainable platform for regional cooperation on good governance and anti-corruption
d) Recognize the need to jointly strengthen legal frameworks and enhance effective law enforcement in efforts to promote good governance and control corruption in South Asia
e) Identify priority areas with a view to develop South Asia-wide program to mutually share experiences and to cooperate in controlling cross border dimensions of corruption particularly the illicit flow of corrupt money and resources;
f) Make firm commitment to strengthen institutions of accountability, people’s right to information and whistleblower protection and to strengthen institutions of accountability, particularly those mandated to control corruption; and
g) Consistent with article 13 of UN Convention against Corruption, pledge to facilitate and enhance greater engagement of people at large, media and civil society to complement government efforts against corruption.

We submit the above for your kind consideration with the understanding that these are fully consistent not only with many regional and international practices and trends in which your government is actively engaged, but also with your personal commitment. We remain available for any further elaboration and support, if needed.

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