ICAC-Interpol Conference paves way for closer partnerships in graft fight
2003-1-24
To keep the world safe from corruption and many other heinous crimes it might breed, law enforcement agencies, organisations and individuals involved in combatting graft must forge a strong global partnership of mutual trust and co-operation, said ICAC Co mmissioner Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ICAC-Interpol Conference today (Friday), Mr Lee said the three-day conference, aptly entitled “Partnership Against Corruption”, had laid a firm and solid foundation for nurturing such bonds.
“This is just an end of the beginning –'96 the beginning of an era of closer and stronger partnerships,” Mr Lee noted.
“The experience of Hong Kong and other parts of the world clearly points out that no jurisdiction can afford to let corruption rear its ugly head. This is particularly true in today’s world as the crime of corruption has become part and parcel of organised and serious crimes, and transcends national boundaries,” Mr Lee said.
Mr Lee observed that despite differences in institutions and systems, there was a general agreement amongst the participating jurisdictions that a holistic approach through enforcement, prevention and education was an effective strategy in tackling corrup tion.
“Hence, I can foresee that greater international co-operation is required not only in investigations and law enforcement, but also in prevention, education and training,” said the Commissioner.
Mr Lee also noted that while Secretary General of Interpol Mr Ronald Noble had lauded Hong Kong as “the anti-corruption capitol of the world”, there was no room for complacency for Hong Kong and the Commission would work even harder to ensure Hong Kong would continue to live up to that reputation.
Mr Lee commended Interpol’s efforts and achievements in fortifying law enforcement integrity standards worldwide as an invaluable and lasting contribution to the global campaign against corruption.
The Interpol Group of Experts on Corruption (IGEC) has launched its latest anti-graft initiative –'96 the “Library of Best Practice” for its 181 member countries. It is a comprehensive reference package to facilitate law enforcement agencies’ ability to combat corruption effectively.
Contributions have been drawn from acknowledged leaders in the field of anti-corruption work from around the globe, including Hong Kong’s ICAC.
At today’s Conference, the IGEC’s official website (http:// www.interpol.int/public/corruption/igec ) was launched and hyperlinked with the ICAC’s corporate website at a ceremony officiated by ICAC’s Deputy Commissioner and Head of Operations Mr Daniel Li Ming-chak, and Interpol's Executive Director Mr Willy Deridder.
Mr Lee said this was yet another platform to stretch partnership beyond national boundaries through the cyber space, which would enhance communication and facilitate a speedier and more efficient exchange of anti-corruption information.
The three-day ICAC-Interpol Conference, which commenced on Wednesday, was attended by more than 500 local and overseas delegates from 61 jurisdictions and eight international organisations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ICAC-Interpol Conference today (Friday), Mr Lee said the three-day conference, aptly entitled “Partnership Against Corruption”, had laid a firm and solid foundation for nurturing such bonds.
“This is just an end of the beginning –'96 the beginning of an era of closer and stronger partnerships,” Mr Lee noted.
“The experience of Hong Kong and other parts of the world clearly points out that no jurisdiction can afford to let corruption rear its ugly head. This is particularly true in today’s world as the crime of corruption has become part and parcel of organised and serious crimes, and transcends national boundaries,” Mr Lee said.
Mr Lee observed that despite differences in institutions and systems, there was a general agreement amongst the participating jurisdictions that a holistic approach through enforcement, prevention and education was an effective strategy in tackling corrup tion.
“Hence, I can foresee that greater international co-operation is required not only in investigations and law enforcement, but also in prevention, education and training,” said the Commissioner.
Mr Lee also noted that while Secretary General of Interpol Mr Ronald Noble had lauded Hong Kong as “the anti-corruption capitol of the world”, there was no room for complacency for Hong Kong and the Commission would work even harder to ensure Hong Kong would continue to live up to that reputation.
Mr Lee commended Interpol’s efforts and achievements in fortifying law enforcement integrity standards worldwide as an invaluable and lasting contribution to the global campaign against corruption.
The Interpol Group of Experts on Corruption (IGEC) has launched its latest anti-graft initiative –'96 the “Library of Best Practice” for its 181 member countries. It is a comprehensive reference package to facilitate law enforcement agencies’ ability to combat corruption effectively.
Contributions have been drawn from acknowledged leaders in the field of anti-corruption work from around the globe, including Hong Kong’s ICAC.
At today’s Conference, the IGEC’s official website (http:// www.interpol.int/public/corruption/igec ) was launched and hyperlinked with the ICAC’s corporate website at a ceremony officiated by ICAC’s Deputy Commissioner and Head of Operations Mr Daniel Li Ming-chak, and Interpol's Executive Director Mr Willy Deridder.
Mr Lee said this was yet another platform to stretch partnership beyond national boundaries through the cyber space, which would enhance communication and facilitate a speedier and more efficient exchange of anti-corruption information.
The three-day ICAC-Interpol Conference, which commenced on Wednesday, was attended by more than 500 local and overseas delegates from 61 jurisdictions and eight international organisations.