Abstract:
A number of international institutions and instruments are both driving and inhibiting
reform. United Nations conventions play an important role in creating a moral
framework for reform. However, ratification is mostly a slow process and the
enforcement of provisions is discretionary and inconsistent. The World Bank took the
first steps to exclude companies that were found guilty of corruption, from tenders.
Financial support to developing countries to bring corrupt companies to court will
strengthen the World Bank’s contribution. The Council of the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development provides much needed access to a powerful
database on corruption and good governance. The World Trade Organisation is
indirectly supporting corruption by not enforcing the reduction of subsidies, that cause
an unlevelled playing field. The International Monetary Fund can become a
clearinghouse for allegations of corruption. The Millennium Development Account
gives countries that qualify for financial support a say in aid-funded programmes and
hold them accountable for achieving results, paving the way for increased accountability
towards good governance. The International Chamber of Commerce is concerned about
the provisions in the United Nation’s Convention Against Corruption that is
discretionary, and hampers development of binding and consistent international rules.
These concerns need to be turned into action.
