Combatting corruption: objectives 2017 to 2018
Published 16 February 2018
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1. Overview
The UK is working to help build a safer and more prosperous future for all by strengthening the ability of international institutions to tackle corruption through stronger law enforcement and judicial systems, and by developing ways for citizens to challenge corruption. The FCO supports this goal by strengthening the rules-based international system, building capacity, and promoting economic development, sustainable growth and better business environments. This helps us to project our influence and promote global prosperity in support of the UK’s Aid Strategy.
2. FCO objectives on combatting corruption
Tackling corruption is a top UK priority. The UK contributes towards combatting this threat through three long term outcomes:
- reducing the threat to our national security, including from instability caused by corruption overseas
- increasing prosperity
- enhancing confidence in domestic and international institutions
3. Official Development Assistance and corruption
Corruption involves the abuse of office and position to benefit a third party in return for payment or other reward. It presents a major challenge to ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity, as the poorest people are disproportionately affected by corruption.
Corruption undermines the rule of law and democracy, deters private sector investment, and creates barriers to doing business. More significantly it erodes trust within societies, between businesses and between nations and stifles economic growth and investment. It increases the cost of doing business, suppresses innovation and diverts resources from where they are most needed, fuelling inequality and holding back social well-being.
4. Combatting corruption project objectives
This programme undertakes activity which can help combat corruption. It aims to enhance transparency, openness and accountability; strengthen institutions and state bodies; and, improve legal frameworks and legislation to end impunity for the corrupt.
Key workstreams include project-based activities to:
- increase transparency and accountability working with state bodies, institutions, businesses, non-governmental organisations, media and civil society
- improve countries’ legislative frameworks around combatting corruption and improving transparency
- build capacity in state bodies, institutions, businesses, non-governmental organisations, media and civil society on combatting corruption. Activities in this strand of work include training on transparency, anti-money laundering, bribery, financial investigative techniques, governance and business ethics. Also included is work to support voluntary initiatives to combat corruption and improve transparency (e.g. Extractive Industry Transparency Initiatives)
- strengthen countries’ commitment and political will to tackle corruption and support delivery of commitments flowing from the Anti-Corruption Summit held in London in May 2016