This week, JUSTRAC+ recognizes International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9) and Human Rights Day (December 10), acknowledging the ongoing endeavor to advance anti-corruption and human rights efforts worldwide.
The United Nations recognizes December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day to call attention to the serious impediment that corruption poses to the rule of law and sustainable development. More than five percent of the global GDP is reportedly lost due to corruption each year. Further, corruption obstructs economic development, erodes public confidence, and hinders the passage and enforcement of fair and effective laws.
The United Nations observes Human Rights Day on December 10 on the anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, language, political opinion, nationality, or other status.
Last week, JUSTRAC+ held an anti-corruption training and workshop for U.S. Government practitioners working on anti-corruption programming in the context of Latin America. Anti-corruption experts from the Rule of Law Collaborative led virtual training seminars designed to provide participants with theoretical, practical, and programmatic tools to combat corruption in Latin America. On December 3, workshops were held that allowed participants to present and receive feedback on anti-corruption programming ideas in their countries of focus.
JUSTRAC+ understands that human rights cannot be protected in societies without a strong rule of law. As such, JUSTRAC+ has led trainings, workshops, and symposia to equip practitioners with tools to strengthen rule of law around the world. This year, JUSTRAC+ hosted a Civil Law training in January, a Rule of Law Systems: Country Analysis workshop in February, and two virtual trainings on on the fundamentals of rule of law and justice sector reform for in August for an audience of foreign service officers.