Strengthening Integrity: The Importance of Transparency and Accountability in Economic Sustainability (From Resource Material Series No. 56, P 386-392, 2000, Hiroshi Iitsuka and Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, eds. -- See NCJ-191475)

• NCJ Number: 191502
• Author(s): Tunku A. Aziz
• Date Published: December 2000
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Japan
• Note: A paper from the 113th UNAFEI International Training Course, "The Effective Administration of Criminal Justice for the Prevention of Corrupt Activities by Public Officials," August 30-November 18, 1999.

Annotation

This paper emphasizes the importance of institutionalizing transparency and accountability in government operations and decisions as a means of deterring, preventing, and exposing public corruption.

Abstract

In return for the right to govern, a government agrees to honor and defend the constitution under which it is expected by the people to operate. By reason of this contract, an elected government must be prepared to subject its official behavior to public scrutiny and to be held accountable for its actions. A government is under a moral obligation to adopt universally recognized "best practices" that are consistent with the economic, social, and moral needs of an ethical and caring society. It is also important that organizations in the private sector that do business with and attempt to influence the government adopt corporate disclosure policies and greater transparency in corporate financial reporting. It is only through the full disclosure of all relevant information that the public can be expected to make informed judgments and decisions about the matters that affect their lives. Access to information translates into greater freedom of information across the national spectrum. Protection of the right to freedom of information is a victory for transparency and accountability. When timely and accurate information is readily accessible, corruption is deprived of the secrecy it needs to survive. Freedom of information will enable the people to decide whether the leaders they have elected are looking after the interests of the many over those of the few.