UN Hails New Anti-Corruption Network, as ‘Important Step’ to Build Trust, Promote Justice
The United Nations began an initiative against transnational corruption in order to “empower all countries” to find practical solutions to corruption. On the General Assembly’s first-ever Special Session against corruption, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized -via a video message- that transnational corruption caused huge anti-government demonstrations all over the world.
He said that corruption is a transnational crime beyond borders and betrayal against people and democracies; he stressed that struggle against corruption is a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote peace, and protect human rights.
On the other hand, Guterres emphasized that the creation of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities will contribute to encouragement of international cooperation against transnational corruption. During the session, anti-corruption experts discussed the importance of this network allowing all countries and their independent anti-corruption authorities may have the contacts and tools to track, investigate and prosecute transnational corruption more quickly and effectively. Guterres also said that the UN would continue to provide technical assistance and called on all Governments to make full use of the network and strengthen international cooperation against corruption.
