Heads of State and Government of the hemisphere on Saturday committed to strengthening accountability and access to information as tools to tackle the scourge of corruption.
Such decision was taken during the 8th Summit of the Americas'
plenary session, at which dignitaries agreed by acclamation to adopt the Lima Commitment.
In said document, regional leaders pointed out
corruption weakens democratic governance and citizens’ trust in institutions.
Thus, countries of the hemisphere agreed to continue strengthening national
anti-corruption measures or systems, as well as enhance conditions for the effective participation of civil society, social organizations, academia, the private sector, citizens, and other social actors in monitoring government performance.
The commitment also includes developing prevention mechanisms and channels for reporting possible acts of corruption, as well as facilitating the work of watchdogs and other citizen oversight mechanisms, thus fostering the adoption of digital means of participation.
Likewise, the Heads of State and Government expressed their willingness to promote or strengthen the implementation of national policies and plans, among other mechanisms to fight corruption.
The document is composed of 57 commitments aimed at shaping democratic governments against this scourge.
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here to read the full document.
It must be noted the activities of the
8th Summit of the Americas —which is attended by political representatives of 33 countries— will conclude today.
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