By resolution 58/4 of 31 October 2003, the United Nations General Assembly designated 9th December as the International Anti-Corruption Day. This decision was taken in order to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it.

The Assembly urged all States and competent regional economic integration organizations to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption as soon as possible in order to ensure its rapid entry into force.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, through “Your NO Counts” Campaign has been able to governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the media and citizens around the world to joining forces to fight this crime

2009

The theme of 2009's UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) celebrations and awareness programme was focused on the Millennium Development Goals, which includes :education, development, prosperity and public health.

To commemorate the day, FICAC held an Open Day at their newly opened Headquarters located at Saint Fort Street in Suva.  The Open Day consisted of display booths, the launch of its first in-house produced television advertisement, Anti-Graft News (newsletter), educational posters, 2010 calendar, Fijian language brochures.

A crowd pleaser was the awareness power point presentation by the Manager Community and Education Department on the roles and functions of FICAC.  Public response was overwhelming as FICAC Customer Services staff recorded its highest number of complaints received in one day.  Complainants had heard our radio advertisements and talkback shows or had seen the advertisement in one of the local dailies and had come forward to voice their concerns on corruption related matters.

Manager Investigation, opened the day on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner who was attending to work commitments abroad.  Mr. Sanaila Seru said the Open Day was intended to help each individual, understand that we all had a personal responsibility to end corruption, because corruption hurts everyone, but mostly it affects the poor.  He concluded with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption slogan: Corruption – Your NO Counts.

2010

Anti-Corruption is not only a fight by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and government, but that also of the people of Fiji.

Speaking at International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations, Chief Guest Attorney General and Minister for Anti-Corruption Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum reaffirmed government’s commitment to removing systematic corruption in Fiji.

Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum said corruption was so deeply rooted in Fiji that over the years, a culture of greed, dishonesty and non-disclosure had become accepted.

The Attorney General highlighted some of the recent moves made by government to better combat corruption such as the establishment of FICAC, the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the modernized Crimes Decree and the Prevention of Bribery Promulgation.  He said that the Government had without reservation in 2008, ratified the UNCAC making Fiji one of three countries in the South Pacific region to become a State Party.

He also mentioned that Fiji was one of 40 countries chosen to be part of the first series of reviews that will be conducted until 2014.

The Minister explained that in 2011, the United States of America and Bangladesh would review Fiji under a peer review process and that Fiji would be able to know how we are doing in the fight against corruption.

Speaking on the 100-year-old Penal Code, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum said there was a need for the Crimes Decree to meet changes taking place in technology, business and international trade.

The Deputy Commissioner of FICAC Mr. George Langman, in his opening speech said FICAC has overcome many challenges and obstacles, through the determination and perseverance of his staff.   He said FICAC would continue to employ specialised people both locally and from abroad and also offer specialised training to up skill his staff.

In conclusion, he told the public that if they were ever tempted by easy money,  he offered this advice “The worst day at work is still better than the best day in jail.”

National celebrations were hosted by FICAC at Sukuna Park in Suva on 9th December 2010.  An Anti-Corruption Exhibition was held for members of the public who were interested to learn more about corruption.

Exhibitors included Land and Transport Authority, Border Control, Fiji Independent Legal Services Commission, Transparency International (Fiji), Immigration Department, Police Drug Unit, Judiciary, Fiji National Provident Fund and United Nations Development Programme- National Initiative for Civic Education project (NICE).