10 November 2009
Tearfund is among more than 100 faith groups calling on rich and poor countries to take seriously their commitment to tackle corruption.
The call comes as governments gather in Qatar for a five day UN conference on the issue.
Tearfund is spearheading a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon seeking agreement of a review mechanism for the Convention against Corruption.
The 2003 agreement, ratified by more than 140 countries, is the first global treaty to provide a framework to prevent and criminalise corruption.
Tearfund and faith-based groups, such as Islamic Relief Worldwide and Christian Aid, want convention signatories to be more open about the progress that’s being made to tackle corruption.
Tarnished
Tearfund’s Abi Akinyemi said, ‘The value of the convention will be significantly weakened and its credibility tarnished if countries fail to agree on a review mechanism that involves civil society and is transparent.’
The letter calls for civil society to have a greater role in implementing and reviewing anti-corruption activity and enabling the views of ordinary people to be heard.
This is because faith groups often provide an important link to communities experiencing poverty.
‘Corruption is condemned by all religions,’ says the letter. ‘As faith leaders we believe there is a moral imperative to tackle corruption.
‘Corruption undermines the principles of justice and equality, eroding value systems, social cohesion and trust.’
That’s why one area of growing importance in Tearfund’s work is empowering people in poverty to shape their future by helping them deal with those in authority.