M(r/s)
Chair,
I have the honour
to deliver this statement on behalf of Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden - and
my own country - Denmark.
Strengthening the
rule of law forms an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Promoting the Sustainable Development Goal regarding peace, justice and strong
institutions is a priority for the Nordic countries and more pertinent than
ever now, during the global pandemic. Ensuring transparent procedures,
efficient decision-making and judicious institutions and officials are key
factors when promoting the rule of law.
Today, there is a
continuing negative slide towards weaker rule of law in many parts of the world
– a situation the pandemic has done nothing to improve. Corruption and lack of
transparency may thrive in such an environment. Promotion of rule of law ensures
we avoid the unjust rule of the powerful.
In
this light, the agreed sub-topic for this year’s debate in the Sixth Committee
on ‘Measures to prevent
and combat corruption’ is appropriate.
M(r/s)
Chair,
We
would like to thank the Secretary-General for his yearly report on the Strengthening
and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities, as well as the overall
efforts of the Secretary-General in addressing the issue of corruption,
including during the pandemic.
Corruption
may exist at all levels, in different scales and may take many forms.
Importantly, corruption exacerbates poverty and inequality and has a
disproportionate effect on those in the most vulnerable situations. Corruption
obstructs
technological breakthroughs, and affects economic growth and development
nationally as well as globally. These are all important elements in the “global
village”, not least when combatting the current pandemic.
In
short, corruption promotes uncertainty, which is the exact opposite of the rule
of law.
M(r/s)
Chair,
We see corruption
as a threat to the norms and principles embedded in the rule of law – namely,
democracy, human rights and sustainable development. The
Nordic countries are committed to the UN Convention against Corruption, to
promoting the rule of law and to fighting corruption. In this regard, we also
want to highlight the work done by civil society in the fight against
corruption.
Thank you.