This should include reduction of political discretion and bureaucratic controls and simplification of regulations and procedures to remove red tape. Administrative reform should be undertaken by Government to restore the morale and integrity of public service. This should include regulations for merit-based recruitment and promotion, adequate benefits, including remuneration and pension schemes and capacity building. The independence and integrity of the judiciary is of crucial importance. States should review their legal regimes and carry out reforms to maintain the independence of the judiciary and restore high standards of integrity, honesty and commitment in the dispensation of justice.
Corruption is a serious offense.
Governments should adopt laws which will deal with corruption offenses effectively. Laws should impose severe penalties, make provision for seizure, forfeiture or confiscation of property acquired through corruption and blacklisting of persons or business entities convicted of corruption or corrupt practices. Anti-corruption agencies are very useful in fighting corruption. Such agencies should be autonomous and operationally independent and free from interference in the discharge of their functions. Those agencies should have power to initiate and conduct investigations and prosecute offenders.