Corruption is a growing problem in the Pacific. It exists in a number of sectors, takes many forms from petty, low level patron-client relationships at the village level, to large-scale extractive industries corruption, most notably in Melanesia. Corruption exacerbates existing neglect of gender equality and human rights. Culture and traditional systems strongly shape people’s understanding and perception of corruption. Although Pacific island countries now have various accountability institutions, recent research has found that they are generally ineffective. Possible reasons include:

1. Lack of ‘fit’ between introduced and local institutions;
2. Weak links between accountability and enforcement institutions;
3. Poorly defined roles and functions;
4. Weak leadership;
5. Lack of political will;
6. Poor public education and support; and
7. Other capacity issues. Overcoming capacity shortfalls is considered a key lever for addressing corruption in the Pacific.

Section 12.1 of the Pacific Plan specifically flags the possibility of regional support to national accountability institutions. The Pacific Centre is committed to supporting work in this area, for example, via support to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s (PIFS) Regional Ombudsman Initiative. Additionally, PIFS has indicated its intention to work on the promotion of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the ADB-OECD Anti-Corruption Framework. The Pacific Centre is collaborating with PIFS and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime to support work in this area. At the national level, it is likely that this work will manifest in support for national anti-corruption strategies, targeted at improving both central oversight functions and service provision and regulatory/compliance functions, by mainstreaming anti-corruption into all aspects of state function. National anti-corruption strategies must also engage non-state actors, such as the churches, NGOs, and traditional governance channels.

Research in the Pacific has shown the impact of media reporting on corruption, despite considerable constraints, such as government or local elite ownership, government control or censorship; small reader populations, limited access to internet, intimidation of journalists, low remuneration and high turnover of staff, and low levels of reporter competence which contributes to a lack of in-depth reporting. The Pacific Centre is keen to work with the media to promote activities directed towards promoting better governance. Additionally, the Pacific Centre will support activities in support of the promotion of freedom of information, both to strengthen the work of the media but also more broadly, in order to promote greater public participation in development and governance as well as public accountability and transparency. The lack of enabling disclosure policies and/or legislation handicaps the enforcement of accountability.