Pacific countries mark Anti-Corruption Day

SUVA -- Countries around the Pacific held a range of activities Monday to observe the International Anti- Corruption Day and raise awareness on the importance of fighting corruption.

To mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, the United Nations supported Pacific island countries to undertake activities that reflect this year's theme, "Zero Corruption, 100 percent Development", according to the United Nations Development Program' s (UNDP) Pacific Center, which is located in the Fijian capital of Suva.

In Fiji, a youth network to fight corruption was launched by Transparency International. In Solomon Islands, a walk against corruption has been organized. In Kiribati, Vanuatu, Tonga and Tuvalu, media campaigns, including talk back shows, were held.

Peter Batchelor, manager of the UNDP Pacific Center, said corruption "remains one of the most significant barriers to reducing poverty, both in the Pacific and globally."

"International Anti-Corruption Day provides an important opportunity for raising awareness and building commitment to fight corruption, and the growing commitment to anti-corruption in the region is to be commended," Batchelor said.

Ten Pacific Island countries are parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).