The role of national parliaments in preventing and fighting corruption was discussed on Friday during an international conference organised in Nicosia by the Cyprus Parliament with the support of the International Secretariat of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
In her keynote address during the conference session, the OSCE Special Representative on Anti-Corruption, Anita Ramasastry, referred to the new reality of war, climate, pandemic and food security in the fight against corruption.
She said it is vital that parliaments have recognised the challenges of corruption, but now war, pandemic and energy security require action.
She also said that in discussing all these other issues, issues of corruption and good governance should be present as part of policymaking solutions, not just as a niche, separate debate. Adding that corruption now causes war and makes it difficult to ensure peace,
Executive Secretary of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) Hanne Juncher said that while GRECO greatly appreciates the high level of commitment of its member states, the implementation of GRECO's recommendations can be further strengthened. She spoke of the need for concrete improvements, saying that anything that national parliaments can do is highly appreciated. She also stressed the importance of raising awareness of the costs and negative impact of corruption on people's lives.
The Head of the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch of the United Nations Office responsible, Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, stressed the need to align national obligations with international obligations. She also said that national parliaments have a central role to play in promoting compliance and enacting legislative measures necessary to implement and monitor each country's recommendations.
OSCE SC Vice-Chairperson and OSCE SC Special Representative on Anti-Corruption, Irene Charalambidou, highlighted the role of parliaments in passing anti-corruption legislation and holding governments accountable. She also referred to the importance of the role that national parliaments can play in the final control of public finances.
At the same time, she said that the media plays an important role in defending democracy and it is the duty of parliament to guarantee media freedom and ensure the widest possible space for civil society.
She also referred to Cyprus' negative experience with corruption, saying that it is important for national parliaments to put the house in order first. OSCE, as an important signal of the Assembly's commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
Source: CNA
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