TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL-THE WEEK IN CORRUPTION, 28 JUNE 2019

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL-THE WEEK IN CORRUPTION, 28 JUNE 2019 Hi, Pinky swears are promises that cannot be broken. The tradition supposedly originates in Japan – which is where G20 leaders are meeting this week. Incidentally, they also have promises to keep. China, Mexico and Russia are just a few examples of countries represented at this year’s G20 summit that are failing to enforce their laws and promises against corruption, and in particular foreign bribery. International bribery is one of the many ways in which corruption heavily impacts sustainable development and economic growth. It hinders fair access to markets as well as progress on today’s most pressing issues like education, healthcare, gender equality and the climate crisis. However, other forms of corruption also impede inclusive growth. To make economic development work for all, anti-corruption should be mainstreamed into every decision and policy, and not left in a silo or as lofty promises.  That means taking concrete action. As long as public money is lost due to dodgy procurement and anonymous shell companies, citizens will lose trust in their governments’ decisions.  To curb this, G20 governments must enable clean contracting provisions, publish open registers of beneficial owners of companies, and create strong whistleblower protection.  In short, G20 leaders should focus on implementing their commitments and not feel tempted to keep making promises. After all, why make new promises when the previous ones haven't been kept? What do you think? Let us know @anticorruption or join the conversation using #G20takeaction.

News from Transparency International

Trade unions and civil society call on G20 to protect whistleblowers Whistleblowers have helped save countless lives and billions of dollars in public funds, but they often face severe consequences for speaking out. In a joint call with trade unions from across G20 countries and over 400 civil society organisations, we're urging the G20 to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

Montenegro – widely condemnded law does not deserve a second chance The government of Montenegro has proposed a law that has already been withdrawn once after strong opposition from civil society. If passed, it would undermine freedom of information laws and anti-corruption efforts. Together with our chapter in Montenegro, MANS, we strongly oppose this and insist that the aspects of the law that contravene the Constitution of Montenegro and the government’s obligations under international agreements should be removed from the draft law.

New on Voices for Transparency

Keeping corruption on the global agenda As the G20 leaders gather in Japan, GSK’s Nick Hirons and Robert Barrington of Transparency International UK ask what priority will be given to the challenging subject of corruption. This joint blog from the combined perspective of the private sector and civil society looks at how tackling corruption can help remove a major block to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Optional headline for News from Transparency International

What would make this year’s G20 summit a success? With the G20 summit set against a backdrop of political polarization and trade wars, many doubt its ability to reach consensus around critical global issues. But we believe that the Osaka summit can bring us closer to a fairer and more prosperous future for all -  here are some ideas of what would make this G20 one for the history books.

Corruption in the news this week Focus on Odebrecht Latin America: Bribery Division: What is Odebrecht? Who is Involved? ICIJ (25 June)

Brazil: Brazil’s Operation Car Wash: A corruption investigator is accused of his own misdeeds The Conversation (28 June)

Argentina: Odebrecht corruption case against ex minister heads to trial Reuters (28 June)

Latest News Kenya: ‘If you pay, you’ll go’: Dadaab residents claim bribery is price of getting home The Guardian (28 June)

Global: African oligarchs and their global networks of corruption African Investigative Publishing Collective / ZAM (26 June)

USA: FBI is probing corruption in Puerto Rico government contracts Bloomberg (27 June)

MANISHANKAR CEO-ANTI-CORRUPTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT®-CHENNAI Email: anticorruption.org2007@gmail.com. Mobile: 91 9087856137 Follow us on-twitter : @anticorp_2007