www.undprcc.lk/ext/crhdr/crhd_report/RHDR_Full%20Report_Tackling_Corruption_Transforming_Lives.pdf

"Tackling Corruption, Transorming Lives" is the title of recently released UNDP report on the crippling effect corruption has on human develpment, particuarly in the Asia Pacific Region. . . ."Corruption undermines democratic institutions, retards economic development and contributes to government instability. It attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existence is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because outside direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the ‘start-up costs’ required, because of corruption. As Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General remarked, ‘Corruption hurts the poor dis-proportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a government’s ability to provide basic services, feeding inequa-lity and injustice, and discouraging foreign investment and aid.’ In a diverse region like the Asia-Pacific, which is attempting the twin task of development and democratic consolidation, the problem of corruption goes to its very core. It diminishes not only the outcomes we seek to achieve, but also corrodes the instruments and mechanisms we have at our disposal to do so."

The report points out that corruption cannot be linked empirically to lack of economic growth. Growing economies can be coexist with corruption. Why then should we care about corruption? Is some level of corruption better off tolerated? Are international anti corruption efforts simply meddling, or worse yet, are they an unwarranted intervention in another's culture and society? Or is corruption a universal scourge which should be responded to in a universal manner? Find the full report at link above.