On December 9, as decided by the United Nations General Assembly, the global community celebrates the International Anti-Corruption Day. All over the world this day is used for attracting the public’s attention to the huge injustice caused by corruption – from bribery to money laundering at a global scale. According to the opinion poll corruption is one of the most critical issues in Ukraine. It is important not only to attract attention, but to demonstrate the possibility of a successful fight with this epidemic, by mobilizing society at an individual level to counteract corruption.

The church in Ukraine is traditionally a leader of public confidence demonstrating support from 50% and more of the population of Ukraine. For this reason, according to the global anti-corruption organization Transparency International Ukraine and international practices, engagement of religious organizations to the fight against corruption can generate positive results by, first of all, reducing tolerance to corruption by Ukrainians of all religions and confessions. By setting high anti-corruption standards in their activity, preaching zero tolerance to corruption, churches in Ukraine have the opportunity to be heard both by their powerful congregation, and ordinary citizens, as well as give hope those who gave up due to the complexity and duration of the processes of ridding Ukraine of corruption.

We have a very positive example of how we could unite during the Revolution of Dignity, where large segments of society united in support of more transparency, accountability and democracy. Nowadays, in times of external threat and uncertainty, we would strongly thank the churches both for helping those who suffered from military actions (which you do constantly and systematically and we are very grateful for this), and for having confidence in Ukrainians’ attaingin a possible victory in the fight with inside threats, where corruption is one of the most critical ones. That is why we hope for your active participation, public condemnation and words and actions to support the corruption fight in Ukraine not only on December 9, but throughout the year.

 

Transparency International Ukraine’s team