Topic: Political Corruption in Latin America
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Anish Kokkula
School: Troy High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All New Zealand position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Tracing the origins of Latin America’s colonial history, it is evident that the political corruption in Latin America can be largely attributed to the tendency of the prior countries who colonized it – Spain, France, and Portugal – toward autocracy. The basis of the corruption comes from the combination of excessive government power and insufficient intra-government competition, putting the government in charge of too many lives, and ensures that bribery and lucrative practices take place without accountability. Leaders of countries in Latin America such as Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, have all displayed their aspirations to hold government power for longer than usual, causing more opportunities for the abuse of power. Moreover, centralization of power imposes transparency and a lack of accountability that otherwise would be vital in preventing the abuse of power or the taking of bribes by government officials. Especially in recent years, corruption in Latin America has been linked to organized crime units, most commonly international drug cartels: criminal organizations with the intention of supplying drug trafficking operations. Furthermore, the United Nations must adhere to seek a solution to political corruption by identifying its roots and taking action.
New Zealand acknowledges the political struggles within Latin America and the type of government that would best counteract corruption. According to the New Zealand Herald, the global anti-corruption NGO international ranked New Zealand as the least corrupt country in the world in its annual Corruption Perception Index. However, there is still room for improvement in government policies – more open public involvement in decision-making and publically accessible registries of the owners of companies and trusts. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) of New Zealand is an independent civilian oversight body that considers grievances against the New Zealand Police, receiving complaints concerning any practice, policy, or procedure, alleging misconduct or neglect of duty by police employees. The Human Rights Commission, the Children’s Commissioner, and the Ombudsman are other agencies with similar responsibilities of limiting corruption. These agencies have a joint responsibility to uphold New Zealand’s commitment to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment (OPCAT). New Zealand has reinforced its commitment to combating corruption by ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), a legally binding global agreement to address corruption in the private and public spheres. Before ratifying it, however, New Zealand made some law amendments through the Organized Crime and Anti-corruption Legislation. New Zealand recognizes that we have a stronger ability to combat political corruption in Latin America, and hope to do so.
New Zealand believes that it is imperative to the wellbeing of the general public to obtain a strong, yet considerate government who provide “proportional consequences” for crimes. Moreover, a strong, well-organized government is necessary to enforce laws, but also recognize circumstances where citizens are innocent. It is in the best interest of Latin American countries to steer away from autocracies and toward democracies. The UNCAC should do so by aiding the governments of Latin American countries in establishing democracies. Overthrowing the existing autocracies that lead to corruption is the first step, which can be accomplished by larger, more powerful countries, to help overthrow tyrants and other unfair forms of government. With this resolution, the United Nations tackles the issue of corruption at its roots: government policies and intervention. The benefits of this resolution will be seen long term with an improved, fair, and corruption-free global trading system.
