– Handover ceremony with John Kouni, Director of SIICAC and Solomon Kalu, UNDP´s Head of Governance Programme with integrity institutions representatives
– Handover ceremony with John Kouni, Director of SIICAC and Solomon Kalu, UNDP´s Head of Governance Programme with integrity institutions representatives
Honiara, 27 June, 2024 – Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) has received the handover of vital IT equipment to strengthen the capacity of their Integrity Officers (IOs). This initiative is a significant step under UNDP’s Transparency & Accountability Project (TAP), funded by the people of Japan through its Embassy in Solomon Islands and the Solomon Islands Government with the aim of bolstering anti-corruption efforts and promoting good governance across the nation.
The IT equipment, which includes monitors, laptops, laptop bags, printers, toners, and other essential accessories, is valued at one million Solomon dollars. This substantial donation will support the operationalization of SIICAC to spearhead the fight against corruption in Solomon Islands
TAP focuses on several key activities supporting the National Anti-Corruption Strategy on prevention, awareness, and simplification of processes. These efforts are being crucial for supporting the SIICAC and its mission.
Under Section 34 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2018, every public body in Solomon Islands is mandated to designate a person as an Integrity Officer (IO). These officers, who are existing public servants, act as SIICAC’s focal points within their respective departments at both national and subnational levels. Their responsibilities include implementing SIICAC’s advice, raising awareness about SIICAC’s role, and receiving or initiating corruption complaints. Although IOs do not receive additional remuneration, they play a critical role in promoting probity within the public service.
The provision of IT equipment is essential to enable IOs to effectively perform their duties. This support ensures that public bodies, which designate officers as IOs, receive tangible resources to aid their anti-corruption efforts. The equipment will also be used for training sessions that SIICAC will conduct around the country, further strengthening the capacity of IOs.
SIICAC will distribute the equipment to various provinces during their awareness campaigns and induction programs for newly elected members of provincial assemblies. Similar support will be extended to government ministries as IOs are appointed. This comprehensive approach ensures that anti-corruption measures are uniformly reinforced across the nation.
The handover of this IT equipment underscores the commitment of UNDP, the Japanese Embassy, and the Solomon Islands Government to promoting transparency and accountability. It signifies a robust partnership dedicated to empowering SIICAC implement its mandate.
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With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, UNDP in line with SDG 16 works to reduce bribery and corruption and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. UNDP’s approach aims to strengthening anti-corruption institutions and systems like SICAAC, supporting the implementation of UNCAC, mitigating corruption risks in essential sectors, and strengthening the collective actions of governments, civil society and the private sector in fighting corruption.
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