International Anti-Corruption Day 2023: Its Theme, History, Significance and Important Data

Every year on December 9th, International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is observed globally. In 2023, it falls on a Saturday. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to the damaging effects that corruption has on society and to promote teamwork in the fight against this widespread problem. A nation's system can be completely destroyed by corruption, which has the silent poisonous effect of concentrating power in the hands of a small number of people and distributing independence unevenly. There are many different forms of corruption, and they are all detrimental to society. IACD is observed annually to encourage people to come together and fight corruption in order to eradicate it from society.

It increases public awareness of the detrimental effects that corruption has on advancement, development, and society at large. There are many different kinds of corruption, and it is a crime that affects everyone. It is crucial to remember the significance of combating corruption and advancing a society free from corruption as we prepare to celebrate this historic day.

International Anti Corruption day 2023: Theme

"UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption" is the theme for International Anti-Corruption Day in 2023. This theme draws attention to the continuous international efforts to combat corruption and emphasizes our shared responsibility to oppose bribery, the misappropriation of public funds, and any self-serving motivations that encourage unethical behavior.

International Anti Corruption Day: History

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which was passed by the UN in 2003, was the first action taken to combat corruption. The goal of the treaty, which member states signed, was to fight corruption and uphold law and order. In an effort to increase public awareness of corruption and its prevention, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on October 31, 2003, and declared December 9 to be World Anti-Corruption Day. December 9, 2005, was the official date of the celebration.

International Anti Corruption Day: Significance

The purpose of the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is to highlight the relationship that exists between the fight against corruption and development, security, and peace. The statement highlights that combating corruption is a shared responsibility and necessitates collaboration from various entities such as states, government officials, civil servants, private sector, law enforcement, media, civil society, academia, youth and public. The development and peacemaking processes of a nation are distorted by corruption, and the economy is hindered by the need to uphold it. While combating corruption is difficult, it is achievable if everyone works together to put an end to corrupt behaviors. Any acts that encourage bribery or the improper use of public funds are immoral and ought to be denounced. Rejecting corruption can help combat its causes and promote a society that is more prosperous and peaceful.

Latest global corruption data:

Key Highlights:

Nearly $1 trillion paid in bribes annually as per UN estimates.

About $500 billion stolen through corruption every year, says World Bank.

Two-thirds of countries score below 50 on Transparency International's 2021 Corruption Perception Index (100 very clean, 0 highly corrupt).

Regional Breakdown:

Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe & Central Asia are the lowest scoring regions on corruption index.

90% countries in Sub-Saharan Africa score below 50.

Top 10 countries with lowest corruption: Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany.

More than 65% of firms in Latin America & Caribbean reported corruption as problem.

Key Sectors Prone to Corruption:

Public procurement

Infrastructure

Healthcare

Education

Law enforcement

Customs

Facts and figures about corruption levels in India based on latest data:

Corruption Perceptions Index 2021 - India ranked 85 out of 180 countries with a score of 40 out of 100 (100 being very clean)

About 63% Indians paid bribe in the last 12 months as per Transparency International's 'Global

Corruption Barometer - Asia' report.

The bribes paid by Indians in one year could amount to as high as ₹210,000 crore as per estimates.

India lost $235 billion in illicit financial flows due to tax abuse and corruption according to 2020 report by FACTI Panel.

Key sectors identified as most prone to corruption in India: Land administration, healthcare, police, tax authorities, government officials like clerks, business registration bodies etc.

Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat scored highest on anti-corruption effort parameters in 'India Corruption Survey 2022'. Bihar, Jharkhand rated lowest.

While India has laws like Prevention of Corruption Act and RTI Act, high corruption perceptions underscore need for stronger enforcement and accountability from public officials and institutions.