EXPOSED 2013 - EXPOSING GLOBAL CORRUPTION.
Countries lose billions through illicit outflows
A new report by campaign group Global Financial Integrity suggests that corruption and tax evasion cost the developing world as much as $903bn in 2009. For the 11th consecutive year, China lost the most through money leaving the country via unreported means. Closely following China were Mexico, Russia, Malaysia and Kuwait. Interestingly, the amount of illicit outflow dropped by 41% in 2009. However, analyst Dev Kar is reluctant to attribute this to stronger governance, instead blaming the global recession. Indeed, he goes so far as to claim that during this time of worldwide uncertainty, global leaders must take even stronger steps to ensure that the amount of illicit outflows drops immediately.
For more information, read a Guardian blog article about the report, see a summary of the findings, or download the full study.
Christians around the world will raise their voices together in a united response against corruption in 2013.
EXPOSED: Shining a Light on Corruption - 14-20 October 2013
We aim to challenge the global Church, business and governments. Every year well over US$1 TRILLION goes missing through mismanagement, illicit business practices and poor governance. It doesn't have to be this way.
POOR: This money doesn’t just evaporate - it is actually deducted from the livelihood of some of the poorest people in the world.
BRIBES: In September 2005 a Transparency International report showed that poor women in some parts of the world may have to pay an average of US$22 in bribes for maternal services when having their babies.
DESTITUTION: As Dr Goodwill Shana, chair of heads of denominations in Zimbabwe, put it: “While corruption is present everywhere from the boardrooms of corporations in developed countries to the dusty streets of Africa, in Africa it plays a far more significant role in keeping the poor in the unrelenting grip of destitution.”
OPPRESSION: Corruption is one of the greatest obstacles to dealing with extreme poverty and the campaign aims to mobilise Christians to join with wider society in exposing the practices which oppress the poor.
PROMISES TO THE POOR: Corinne Woods, director for the United Nations Millennium Development Programme, is enthusiastic about the campaign: "Every individual has a part to play in combating the corruption which erodes the promises of the millennium declaration. If we are to reach these goals in 2015 and respond to extreme poverty beyond we really do need to tackle corruption wherever it exists. I am so pleased that EXPOSED is picking up this challenge."
WHO ARE WE? EXPOSED is a coalition of Christian organisations.
The campaign is currently hosted by a group of Christian organisations including Bible Society and American Bible Society, Salvation Army, Unashamedly Ethical and Micah Challenge International.
REDEMPTION: “Our job is to provide a forum in which 100 million Christians will remind ourselves and the world of God’s passion for the poor.” said Rev Joel Edwards, chair of the steering group.
“We are also excited about the growing interest from a wide range of churches and organisations who are passionate about this issue. EXPOSED is not about aggressive protest for its own sake. We want to shine a light in order to bring hope and redemption and we hope to bring examples of good practise as well as offer robust challenges to institutions which oppress the poor.”
WHAT NOW? Keep up with the campaign.
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EXPOSED partners include:
'Every individual has a part to play in combatting the corruption which blights the poor and erodes the promises of the millennium declaration. If we are to reach these goals in 2015 and respond to extreme poverty beyond we really do need to tackle corruption wherever it exists. I am so pleased that EXPOSED is picking up this challenge which will literally help to save lives and human dignity.'
(Corinne Woods, UNDP)
'While corruption is present everywhere where power, money and the greed of men from the board rooms of corporations in developed countries to the dusty streets of Africa, in Africa however, corruption plays a far more significant role in keeping the poor in the unrelenting grip of destitution, robs them of the little money and opportunity that they have and keeps entire communities and nations in stagnation. Corruption is not just bad ethics it is a terrible curse in the lives of many. That is why I am so pleased to be part of "EXPOSED"'
(Goodwill Shana, chair Heads of Christian Denominations, Zimbabwe)
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