Commonwealth Drafts Framework for Fighting Corruption

Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stressed that the work of anti-corruption agencies must continue with renewed vigour in order to fully achieve the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commonwealth Drafts Framework for Fighting Corruption

By Khalifa Hemed
Published June 5, 2019

he Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks is being developed by the Secretariat in consultation with member countries to assist in combating the vice that is reported to be costing the global economy estimated US$2 trillion anually. A framework to help combat graft within the Commonwealth is being developed.

Speaking in Cayman Islands during the fifth annual regional meeting of the Caribbean heads of anti-corruption agencies, Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General
of the Commonwealth, said the document, known as The Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks, is being developed by the Secretariat in consultation with
member countries to assist in combating the vice that is reported to be costing the global economy estimated US$2 trillion annually.

Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stressed that the work of anti-corruption agencies must continue with renewed vigour in order to fully achieve the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The framework that provides clear steps to promote integrity and combat graft within public and private sectors, the Secretary-General said, will be presented to the Commonwealth Heads of Governments in Rwanda in 2020.

“This package consists of a set of 22 benchmarks, covering topics from sanctions for corruption offences to investigating and prosecuting authorities, and
from political lobbying to the disclosure of asset ownership,” she said.

Saying “Each benchmark is defined by a principle and contains detailed guidance for meeting the set level of achievement,” Patricia Scotland noted that if
adopted, The Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks, whose principles and guidance she said are consistent with international standards, “would go further
in covering other areas of concern not previously addressed.”

The Secretary-General stressed that the work of anti-corruption agencies must continue with renewed vigour in order to fully achieve the 16 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).

Patricia Scotland also referred to the Commonwealth’s practical toolkit designed to help countries plan, track and coordinate SDGs implementation more effectively.

The five-day meeting that began on June 3 brings together the Caribbean’s most senior officials tasked with thwarting illicit financial flows.