Agency for Prevention of Corruption

Announcement of the APC on the occasion of marking the International Anti-Corruption Day

Dec. 9, 2021

The International Anti-Corruption Day is an opportunity to pay our respect and remember December 9th 2003, when the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, was signed in Merida, Mexico.

Corruption, according to the United Nations, affects all areas of society, and its prevention unlocks progress towards sustainable development goals, helps protect the planet, ensure new job positions, achieve gender equality and ensure wider access to basic services such as health care and education.

Finding the basis for its work in the Convention, but also inspiration, dedicated to understanding its spirit, adopting messages and achieving goals, the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, as a key preventive anti-corruption institution of Montenegro, one of 188 signatories, proudly joins the celebration of this day.

We are encouraged by the fact that in the previous period we have made a strong reform effort, basing our work on legality, non-selectivity, transparency and proactivity, which was recognized in our reports by our key international partners. At the same time, we are aware that we have a long way to go with challenges and obstacles, and that we are part of the institutional mosaic by which our community must unwaveringly oppose corruption. In this struggle, the expressed political will and synergetic effect of all relevant social factors, but also of each individual citizen, is necessary.

That is why this year's motto of marking this day "Your right, your role: Say no to corruption" points us to the fact that each of us can influence the achievement of a common goal. By strengthening personal and professional integrity, we create an environment in which corruption will be perceived as a brake on overall progress, and thus enhance the resilience of society in its efforts to address it.

In a time of pronounced political turbulence, insecurity and instability, a shaky value system, we believe that strong and independent institutions, which inherit European principles, are a strong guarantor of the rule of law and the most effective barrier to corruption.

Ready to improve experience and practice and develop anti-corruption mechanisms, such as the corruption proofing of legislation, for which it received praise from relevant European addresses this year, the Agency will continue to carry out the mission of protecting the public interest and contributing to the further construction of ethical infrastructure and the promotion of the highest international standards and principles of good governance, investing its full capacity in an environment where citizens have confidence in the rule of law.

Using the motto of this year's celebration on December 9th, the Agency for Prevention of Corruption calls on citizens to say firmly no to corruption through their beliefs, attitudes and concrete actions.

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