Our selection of this week's anti-corruption stories from TrustLaw and other media
LONDON (TrustLaw) - Here is our selection of this week’s anti-corruption stories from TrustLaw and other media:
Global
Over $900 bln left developing countries illicitly in 2009 -report
TrustLaw, UK
Developing countries lost $903 billion in illicit financial flows in 2009, according to a report by U.S.-based research and advocacy organisation Global Financial Integrity (GFI).
Q+A-How has the global economic crisis affected illicit financial flows?
TrustLaw, UK
China was the developing country worst hit by illicit financial outflows between 2000 and 2009, losing an estimated $2.74 trillion, according to a report by U.S.-based research and advocacy organisation GFI.
FACTBOX –Illicit financial outflows from developing countries
TrustLaw, UK
Here are some of the major findings from a report on illicit financial flows from developing countries by GFI.
IBA calls for transparency in international judicial appointments
TrustLaw, U.S.
The International Bar Association urges greater transparency and quality in judicial appointments to international courts and tribunals and less political influence in the selection process for such appointments.
Anti-Corruption Views - Happy International Anti-Corruption Day! Or is it?
TrustLaw, UK
Corruption affects people everywhere daily. But a near total lack of media coverage means International Anti-Corruption Day makes little headway in raising awareness.
Poor losing out from large land deals - study
AlertNet, Thailand
The global rush to acquire large amounts of land in developing countries has done more harm than good, especially to the poorest people who often lose access to land and resources essential to their livelihoods, a new study says.
Africa
Cameroon and France join hands in war on graft
Africa Review, Kenya
Cameroon and France have signed a deal to cooperate in the fight against corruption. The West African country's National Anti-Corruption Commission is teaming up with France’s Central Service for the Fight Against Corruption.
Ugandan lawmakers push for president impeachment
The Africa Report, France
Opposition politicians in Uganda are considering impeaching President Yoweri Museveni after accusing him of failing to effectively fight rampant corruption in the country.
UK development agency to spend 5 mln pounds on Nigeria anti-graft battle
The Nation, Nigeria
Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID) announces it will spend 5 million pounds in the next four years on an anti-corruption programme in Nigeria.
South Asia & Asia-Pacific
India activist Anna Hazare says Lokpal bill must pass
BBC, UK
Indian activist Anna Hazare says the current session of parliament must be extended to pass a new anti-corruption bill. The Lokpal bill envisages setting up an independent ombudsman, who would have the power to investigate and prosecute politicians and civil servants.
Kabul aid at risk in hospital probe
The Wall Street Journal, U.S.
A U.S. lawmaker says funding for the Afghan government could be withheld if a congressional investigation finds no changes at Afghanistan's main military hospital following allegations of corruption and deadly neglect.
Philippines arrests former official accused of election fraud
The New York Times, U.S.
In an escalating battle between entrenched political forces in the Philippines, a senior official accused of election fraud has been arrested. Benjamin Abalos, the former chief election official, has proclaimed his innocence.
Thai flood disaster made worse by corruption, chamber says
Bangkok Post, Thailand
Corruption made the floods worse, the Thai Chamber of Commerce said yesterday. Chairman Pongsak Assakul told a meeting of chamber members in the province of Rayong that the flood was one of the country's worst ever crises. "And state corruption made it worse," he said.
Middle East
Qatar anti-corruption centre launched
Gulf Times, Qatar
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre is launched in Qatar with a call by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to fight corruption and promote human rights to achieve all the Millennium Development Goals.
Europe
Q+A-Tearfund envisages global role for new UK anti-graft group
TrustLaw, UK
Tearfund wants the UK’s newly launched All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Corruption, which it helped launch, to cooperate with other such groups worldwide to help beat graft overseas.
UK not meeting anti-graft obligations -report
TrustLaw, UK
The British government must put more pressure on the banks, law firms and accountancy firms that make it possible to move and hide corrupt funds, a new report by the Bond Anti-Corruption Group says.
UK firms unharmed by Bribery Act -Ernst & Young
TrustLaw, UK
Widespread fears that the UK Bribery Act would affect the ability of British companies to do business abroad appear to be largely unfounded, according to a survey by global professional services firm Ernst & Young.
Czech group offers million-crown reward for delivering corrupt figures to justice
Czech Position, Czech Republic
The Endowment Fund Against Corruption (NFPK), a Czech anti-corruption group, has unveiled a new attention-grabbing initiative to counter graft in this country. A reward of 1 million Czech crowns ($51,000) is being offered to those who bring significant cases of corruption to the attention of the police with proceedings resulting in conviction.
Latin America
Brazilian leader's anti-graft drive popular with voters
TrustLaw, Colombia
Since taking power nearly a year ago, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has seen six of her 32 ministers quit over corruption allegations.
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