Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes.
Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the "start-up costs" required because of corruption. The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 31 October, 2003 by 140 signatories countries. The United Nations General Assembly declared the 9th of December to be celebrated as World Anti-Corruption Day each year and requested the Secretary-General to designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention's Conference of States Parties. The first annual International Anti-Corruption Day was conducted in Merida, Mexico on December 9th, 2004.
Since then each year it is convened to fight the corruption with full potential around the world. The UNCAC requires participating states to implement legislation prohibiting the bribery of public officials as well as persons in the private business sector. The UN Convention against Corruption has served as an effective tool for combating corruption, which is a burning global issue. The approval of the Convention by member nations around the world indicated their strong political commitment to dealing with the problem.
The signatory countries have affirmed to co-ordinate with one another in each aspect of the combat against corruption, including prevention, property recovery, investigation, and the prosecution of culprits. The basic idea is to leave no space for the criminals to hide. Individuals should no longer be able to leave their respective home countries and live without any fear of prosecution.
Countries are liable to the Convention to render particular forms of mutual understanding and co-ordination in collecting and providing evidence for court purpose and to extradite the culprits. Countries should also take steps that would support the trailing, tracing, freezing, and confiscation of the proceeds of corruption. Pakistan is committed to United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in eradicating corruption in all its manifestations by implementing its articles through an intensive approach of Awareness, Prevention and Enforcement.
The 2015 joint international campaign for Anti-Corruption Day mainly, focuses on how corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts markets, erodes quality of life and allows organised crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish.
The campaign slogan for this year is "Break the Corruption Chain" also highlights that corruption is a cross-cutting crime, impacting many areas. It shows that acting against corruption is imperative to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.