AS we are heading into a new year after a problematic 2020, it’s time to reflect on how corruption eats away at things we all care about, from fundamental human rights to socio-economic equality and environmental protection.
Around the world, corruption made headlines, sparked demonstrations and toppled governments in what should be a wake-up call for leaders to follow through on their commitments and make good on old promises, as well as new and meaningful resolutions.
To give all of us some inspiration, here are four anti-corruption wishes we should have for us, the international community and our planet for 2021:
1. People power to transform countries
Corruption is continually deepening the crisis of democracy in many parts of the world. Research shows that countries with higher rates of public sector corruption have weaker democratic institutions, depriving citizens of political and human rights.
In 2020, people lost patience and took to the streets to demand that their governments serve public interest. We may see more protests in 2021 if political leaders don’t take urgent steps to eradicate corruption and make their countries a livable place for all citizens.
2. Advanced economies to end complicity in corruption abroad
Strong measures are needed by relatively “clean” countries that often enable cross-border corruption by maintaining loopholes and failing to prosecute foreign bribery by corporations. This has consequences for societies all over the globe.
Ending corporate secrecy and reining in banks and financial intermediaries of dirty deals must be among our top priorities for 2021.
3. Climate action to be free from corruption
Where corruption goes unchecked, this has devastating consequences for the environment, too. The pandemic of 2020 has clearly shown us that we need climate action to create a better future for us and our children. Let’s initiate these changes in 2021.
4. Anti-Covid vaccines in 2021–hopefully free from corruption
IT’S certainly good news that a number of vaccines were approved for application in the UK, the US, Canada and hopefully soon also in the Philippines. As I mentioned in an earlier column, let’s hope that the vaccination process will be executed without corruption.
Corruption does not stop when health is at stake. We have seen it regarding the PPEs, PhilHealth, hording and misappropriation of relief goods and payments, etc. The clear unmet demand for a vaccine and the willingness to pay for “immunity” must be of deep concern for government and all of us. The vaccine is likely to have a high “street value,” making supplies by government and the private sector attractive targets for “diversion,” unless adequate safeguards are built into supply chains.
Let’s look to the new year with hope and create room for anti-corruption progresses to accelerate and some negative trends to reverse.
Let me conclude with a note of caution. There is risk in exposing people involved in corruption. Work in a group rather than alone.
And remember: the youth deserve an end to corruption. Young people are not just our future. They are key to creating a just, peaceful and prosperous world right now—here and abroad!
Finally, one more change:
Each of the five major American Internet companies Alphabet (Google), Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft is now more powerful than most governments of this world. They set standards that others only talk about. We need to change this balance of power. A “Digital Markets Act” and a “Digital Services Act” are needed in 2021, intended to regulate fair competition and an adequate handling of user content. The “Big Five” are to be obliged to report any plans to take over additional companies anywhere in the world, and, if necessary, to disclose their algorithms. In the future they must not be allowed to evaluate the data of their business customers in order to compete with them. After all, the US giants are supposed to adhere to rules in order to curb “fake news” and “hate speech.” Violations should result in penalties of up to 10 percent of sales—and even dismantling.
Feedback would be appreciated; you can contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com