Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (12 December 2020): Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu

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FIJI:

Fiji launches anti-bribery campaign. Fiji launched an anti-bribery campaign to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) on Wednesday and reaffirmed the country's strong commitment to eradicate corruption.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/09/c_139576220.htm

His Excellency President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote's address at the International Anti-Corruption Day 2020 & Launch of FICAC’s Anti-bribery Campaign.  “In order to “Recover with Integrity”, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is launching a nation-wide public service: ‘I don’t accept bribes’ campaign, during which all Public servants in the civil service and statutory bodies will receive a badge…This campaign has also been made possible with the support from our friends at the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project.”

https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/Speeches/HIS-EXCELLENCY-PRESIDENT-MAJOR-GENERAL-(RET%E2%80%99D)-JIO

Corruption biggest challenge.The biggest challenge to improved service delivery is corruption, says Minister for Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar.

https://www.fijitimes.com/corruption-biggest-challenge/

@FBC_TV’s #4TheRecord interviews FICAC and UN-PRAC reps on International Anti-Corruption Day campaign, “I don’t accept bribes”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p9iZ_6Ijig&feature=youtu.be

Fiji: Corruption and humans rights abuse 'inextricably' linked, advocates say. The first United Nations Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights took place in Suva this week with virtual attendance from international speakers.

https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/pac-biz/12941606

Nausori Town Council Former Rates Officer Sentenced. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) charged Timaima Mocevakaca with 21 counts of Causing a Loss in 2013.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/08/nausori-town-council-former-rates-officer-sentenced/

 

PNG:

Reforms addressing corruption. In 2020, PNG has much to share with the world about the institutional reforms that can be taken to address corruption, Dirk Wagener writes. Major law reforms have been enacted in recent months, such as the adoption of the bill on the establishment of an Independent Anti-Corruption body.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/reforms-addressing-corruption/

PNG Higher Education Secretary Czuba arrested and Charged.  The Secretary for Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology DHERST Fr. Jan Czuba was arrested and charged yesterday with one count of official corruption and nine counts of abuse of office.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2020/12/png-higher-education-secretary-czuba.html

 

VANUATU:

Former Vanuatu PM and MPs acquitted on corruption/bribery. Vanuatu’s former prime minister Charlot Salwai has been acquitted of bribery and corruption charges.

https://www.fijitimes.com/former-vanuatu-pm-and-mps-acquitted-on-corruption-bribery/

 

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

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org

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