WOMEN and other vulnerable groups may be facing corruption but staying silent because of fear, financial dependence, social pressures and a lack of confidence in complaint systems, says Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Sakiusa Tubuna.
Speaking during an exchange event organised on the International Day of Democracy by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr Tubuna warned that low numbers of corruption complaints should not be interpreted as evidence that corruption was not occurring.
He said several barriers could prevent women from reporting corruption.
“Low reporting rates should not be interpreted as an absence of corruption,” Mr Tubuna said.
He identified limited awareness of reporting channels, fear of retaliation, financial dependence, social and cultural pressures, distance from relevant institutions and a lack of confidence in formal complaint mechanisms as factors contributing to underreporting.
He said the Government should take complaint mechanisms closer to communities instead of expecting women to navigate complicated institutional processes.
“The approach should be to make complaint mechanisms more accessible at the community level.”
The discussion focused on the impact of corruption on people facing gender, equality, disability and social inclusion-related barriers.
The exchange also highlighted the need for a whole-of-government approach to policies and legislation affecting persons with disabilities and older people, in line with the Teieniwa Vision.
Mr Tubuna stressed the need for complaint systems that were accessible and sensitive to the circumstances of vulnerable groups. This included simplified procedures, appropriate support services and timely resolution of complaints.
The meeting identified strengthening “safe and inclusive reporting systems for vulnerable groups” as a key priority.
The discussion reflected this year’s International Day of Democracy theme — “bring human rights into focus” — by examining how corruption can further disadvantage people already facing barriers in accessing government services, justice and other institutions.
