What is UNCAC? by UNCAC Coalition

Why are some people corrupt? 

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Corruption, bribery, theft and tax evasion cost some US $1.26 trillion for developing countries per year. This amount of money could be used to lift those who are living on less than $1.25 a day above $1.25 for at least six years.

Your Challenge:

Your challenge is to explore what makes people in positions of influence corrupt and suggest solutions to this difficult problem

Follow this Process:

  1. Watch this  Corruption and check this website What makes people corrupt The Botswana Government Directorate on Anti Corruption suggests these reasons:

    1. Extreme poverty and opportunity. A person cannot be corrupt unless there is a chance to be so;

    2. Poor leadership, especially by leaders, senior civil servants and top businessmen.

    3. Greed and dishonesty. Even rich people can become corrupt.

    4. Lack of standards or codes of conduct that make people act with decency.

    5. A belief that they will not be caught and that even if caught, punishment will be light;

    6. Competition for a shortage of goods and services.

  2. Discuss: As a class discuss these reasons. Which do you think is the most important?

  3. Summarise: After the class discussion write up on a whiteboard a ranking of the reasons above from 1 (most important) to 6 (least important).

  4. Take action: How do we ensure there is no corruption in our country and/or community?

  5. Capture and Share: What are the things in your community and/or country that would prevent you from taking a bribe? (See this website for clues UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 )

    What are the things that might even encourage you to take a bribe!

Educator Notes

The first 2 minutes of the video covers some of the types of corruption referred to in this webquest.

To make it more accessible:
Lead a classroom discussion on the harm that comes from corruption especially the financial cost listed above?

To make it more challenging:
Lead a classroom discussion on whether corruption is only a problem in developing countries. Does it exist in wealthier countries and if so why? Older students may also like to examine the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) referred to in the second half of Corruption and report back to the class on its main components.

Useful links

Corruption
What makes people corrupt
UN Sustainable Development Goal 16