Anti-corruption declaration calls for increased cooperation

An international anti-corruption association passed a declaration on Thursday to better share experience and increase legal cooperation in fighting graft. 

The declaration was made and issued during the closing ceremony of the Ninth Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held in Tianjin. 

The declaration highlighted the importance of international cooperation in fighting graft, calling the association's members to improve efficiency of anti-corruption work, make it more professional and pay closer attention to its effect. 

It suggested that members voluntarily cooperate with their own legislatures, make and update related laws and ensure their anti-graft departments are independent to play a role in the fight. 

The association's efforts in pursuing, freezing and returning illicit gains were applauded in the declaration, but it added that related work should be further strengthened. 

Dieudonne Massi Gams, president of Cameroon's national anti-corruption commission, said during the conference that reporting clues was a key part of the fight and suggested that members increase the number of such reports. 

He cautioned members not to be "silent in front of graft" if they were to destroy corruption.

Barumpozako Angele, from the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, spoke highly of the association's contribution in the fight against graft. 

"Corruption is a complex issue. Anti-corruption institutes should join efforts to fight by exploring effective measures," she said. "We should share experience and communicate more about anti-corruption work." 

The conference lasted two days, with anti-graft professionals from more than 70 countries and regions, including China, Russia, France and South Korea. 

The theme of the conference was "The Future of Anti-Corruption Authorities: Lessons Learned and Charting the Way Forward". Participants discussed investigation, prosecution, prevention, education and judicial cooperation in anti-graft work. 

The association, established in 2006, is the first anti-graft nongovernmental organization initiated by China.