Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (15 Dec 2017): Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

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These updates are provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Anti-Corruption Project for Southeast Asia, and the joint UNODC - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, with support of the Australian Government.

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FIJI:

Need to set a culture of transparency.  These are the sentiments of the Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while delivering his address on International Anti-Corruption Day in Suva.

http://fijivillage.com/news/There-is-a-need-to-set-a-culture-of-transparency-in-Fiji---AG-2skr59/

Get verifications first before commenting online: AG.  Some Fijians comment on social media without any proper verification.

http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/57409/get-verifications-first-before-commenting-online-ag

FICAC received over 62,000 complaints over the last 10 years.  FICAC Spokesperson, Nandani Vandhana has confirmed that FICAC has taken a total of 224 cases to court and a total of 364 persons have been charged with corruption-related offenses.

http://fijivillage.com/news/FICAC-receives-over-62000-complaints-over-the-last-10-years-5sr9k2/

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Sogavare shrugs off Fugui's statement on ACB.  Ousted Prime Minister (PM) Manasseh Sogavare shrugged off statement by Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Honiara John Fugui, who argued that the Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB) should be delayed until the Traditional Governance Bill is ready.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/19660-sogavare-shrugs-off-fugui-s-statement-on-acb

VANUATU:

Vanuatu opposition lodges no confidence motion.  The opposition listed six reasons for the motion, including concerns over corruption, ministerial "incompetence", decentralisation and tax.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/346002/vanuatu-opposition-lodges-no-confidence-motion

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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