Global Dynamics of Corruption: Analysis of the Regional Bodies to Build Integrity and Effectiveness to Fight Against

Authors

  • Saphy Lal Bullu

Keywords:

Corruption, Criminalisation, Illicit activities, Preventive measures, Regional bodies

Abstract

This article intends to analyse the global dynamics of the selected regional bodies in building integrity and effectiveness in fighting against corruption where appropriate and necessary. The recognition of massive acts of corruption in the early 1990s facilitate the establishment of regional bodies to build integrity between the people, and effective instruments to fight against corruption globally. Findings show that each regional body is unique in its history and nature from its establishment, similarities exist and are often transferable. However, ambiguities in definitions, criminalization acts, and measures to prevent corrupt activities bring ineffectiveness to the systems and fail to identify opportunities to reinforce the comprehensive integrity of fighting corruption. Methodology: This article adopts qualitative and quantitative methods to review the existing literature to generate data, and to analyse the role of the existing regional bodies to see the extent of building integrity and its effectiveness in fighting against corruption.

References

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The Convention provides its objectives as to:1. Promote and strengthen the development in Africa by each State Party, of mechanisms required to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption and related offences in the public and private sectors; 2. Promote, facilitate and regulate co-operation among the States Parties to ensure the effectiveness of measures and actions to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption and related offences in Africa; 3. Coordinate and harmonize the policies and legislation between State Parties for the purpose of prevention, detection, punishment and eradication of corruption on the continent; 4. Promote socio-economic development by remov-ing obstacles to the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights; and 5. Establish the necessary conditions to foster transparency and accountability in the management of public affairs.

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Art.8 (1) of the UNTOC, 2004.

Art. 8 (2) of the UNTOC, 2004.

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Art. 6 of the Protocol.

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Art 11(2) of the UNCAC, 2003.

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Art. 6(1).

Art.6(2).

See also Art. 10(1) of the SADC Protocol.

Art 12 of the ECOWAS Protocol

Art. 13 (1) of the Protocol.

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Art 15 of the ECOWAS Protocol.

Art 15 (3) of the ECOWAS Protocol.

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Jatto (2010): p. 88.

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Similarly, Christopher., Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don't? (1999): pp. 1303-04. Christo-pher stipulates that the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention requires signatories to criminalize inten-tionally offering, promising or giving any undue pecuniary or another advantage, whether directly or through intermediaries, to a foreign public official, for that official or a third party, so that the official act or refrain from acting about the performance of official duties, to obtain or retain business or another improper advantage in the conduct of international business.

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Similarly, Webb(2005:203) emphasises that it focuses on the activities of 'organized criminal groups', but recognizes that corruption is often an instrument or effect of organized crime and includes several provisions to address this. Webb further states that the main concern is based on the requirements that each party adopt laws and other necessary measures to criminalize active and passive corruption in connection with the exercise of the duties of government officials.

Mbaku (2010): pp. 63-64.

Jatto., Africa's Approach to the International War on Corruption: A Critical Appraisal of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (2010): p. 83.

Jatto (2010): p. 83 further observes that the AU Convention covers a range of issues obliging parties to take three essential steps: (i) prevent corruption, (ii) criminalise corruption and (iii) cooperate with other AU members on matters of corruption.

Mbaku (2010): pp. 61-62.

Published

2025-03-27

How to Cite

Lal Bullu, S. . (2025). Global Dynamics of Corruption: Analysis of the Regional Bodies to Build Integrity and Effectiveness to Fight Against. Journal of Human Rights Law and Practice, 8(2), 14–29. Retrieved from https://lawjournals.celnet.in/index.php/jhrlp/article/view/1778