Corruption: Say NO to Corruption

Corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit, or, abuse of entrusted power for one's private gain. Corruption may include many activities including bribery and embezzlement, though it may also involve practices that are legal in many countries.

"Stephen D. Morris, a professor of politics, writes that political corruption is the illegitimate use of public power to benefit a private interest"

Corruption can occur in different scale, such as:

Petty corruption
Petty corruption occurs at a smaller scale and takes place at the implementation end of public services when public officials meet the public.

Grand corruption
Grand corruption is defined as corruption occurring at the highest levels of government in a way that requires significant subversion of the political, legal and economic systems.

Systemic corruption
Systemic corruption is corruption which is primarily due to the weaknesses of an organization or process. It can be contrasted with individual officials or agents who act corruptly within the system.

Types of corruption
1. Corruption in judiciary
2. Business corruption
3. Political corruption
4. Corruption in government
5. Corruption in law enforcement
6. corruption in education
7. Health care system
8. Administrative corruption

HOW TO STOP CORRUPTION
There is no silver bullet for fighting corruption. Many countries have made significant progress in curbing corruption, however practitioners are always on the lookout for solutions and evidence of impact. Here are five ways that citizens and governments can make progress in the fight against corruption:

1. END IMPUNITY
Effective law enforcement is essential to ensure the corrupt are punished and break the cycle of impunity, or freedom from punishment or loss.
Successful enforcement approaches are supported by a strong legal framework, law enforcement branches and an independent and effective court system.

2. REFORM PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE MANAGEMENT

Reforms focussing on improving financial management and strengthening the role of auditing agencies have in many countries achieved greater impact than public sector reforms on curbing corruption.
One such reform is the disclosure of budget information, which prevents waste and misappropriation of resources.

3. PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Countries successful at curbing corruption have a long tradition of government openness, freedom of the press, transparency and access to information. Access to information increases the responsiveness of government bodies, while simultaneously having a positive effect on the levels of public participation in a country.

4. EMPOWER CITIZENS

Strengthening citizens demand for anti-corruption and empowering them to hold government accountable is a sustainable approach that helps to build mutual trust between citizens and government. For example, community monitoring initiatives have in some cases contributed to the detection of corruption, reduced leakages of funds, and improved the quantity and quality of public services.

5. CLOSE INTERNATIONAL LOOPHOLES

Without access to the international financial system, corrupt public officials throughout the world would not be able to launder and hide the proceeds of looted state assets. Major financial centres urgently need to put in place ways to stop their banks and cooperating offshore financial centres from absorbing illicit flows of money.