UN Chief Antonio Guterres Calls for Efforts to Stem Corruption

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for more efforts from member states to fight corruption.

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, Xinhua quoted him as saying.

“I call on leaders everywhere to listen, to nurture a culture of integrity and to empower citizens to do their part at the grassroots. We must all do more to fight corruption, strengthen governance and build trustworthy institutions that can ensure probity and progress for all.”

Member states must be on the front lines in the fight 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 press and effective whistleblower protection. (IANS)