On December 9 of each year, the United States government joins the international community to honor International Anticorruption Day, which was established in 2003 at the conclusion of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Corruption, transparency, and good governance are important issues in the United States, but also critically affect relations between countries. As such, they are important priorities for our United States missions abroad, in every country in the world. The international fight against corruption remains of central importance to the United States; it is linked to the global community’s shared interest in fighting terrorism and transnational crime, promoting free and open markets, increasing economic growth, and encouraging stable democracies and the rule of law. The United States government recognizes that, in the Dominican Republic and around the world, individuals, governments, businesses, civil society and international organizations fight against corruption 365 days a year. We are pleased to continue to work with diverse groups in the Dominican Republic in the continuing struggle against corruption. To quote President Barack Obama: “People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don’t, and that is exactly what America will do.”
In support of President Obama’s commitment to anticorruption and in honor of International Anticorruption Day, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released a statement December 9, 2014. He stated, “The moral and practical costs of corruption are no longer debatable. Corruption drives instability, popular protests, and revolutions….. Today, we call on partners in government, civil society, and the private sector, to join us in fighting corruption.”
