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Tools and guides

Why advocate on governance and corruption?

How to promote transparency, combat bribery and hold governments to account

2012 Available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish

Roadside sign in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Roadside sign in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Photo: Jay Butcher/Tearfund

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From: Why advocate?

Inspiration and guidance for understanding the importance of influencing the decisions, policies and practices of people with power to bring about positive, sustainable change to specific development issues.

Poor governance and corruption affect us all. They can undermine development and often hurt the poorest communities most.

This booklet highlights practical actions that can be taken to combat corruption and rise to the challenge of placing God’s justice at the heart of our societies. It includes stories from around the world of different groups challenging corruption and promoting good governance. It also points organisations towards tools and resources that will equip them to become more involved in this important global struggle.

Poor governance and corruption affect us all. They can undermine development and often hurt the poorest communities most.

There is often a belief that nothing can be done to change this situation, that the problem is too big and the perpetrators are simply too powerful. While these issues undoubtedly pose major challenges, the church, ordinary citizens and civil society organisations can make a difference! In fact, God has always called his people to side with the most vulnerable groups in society and to seek justice (Isaiah 1:17).

This booklet highlights practical actions that can be taken to combat corruption and rise to the challenge of placing God’s justice at the heart of our societies. It includes stories from around the world of
different groups challenging corruption and promoting good governance. It also points organisations towards tools and resources that will equip them to become more involved in this important global
struggle.

  • Section 1 outlines what we mean by poor governance and corruption and why it concerns us all, focusing particularly on its impact on the poorest communities. It also considers our biblical mandate to tackle injustice.
  • Section 2 outlines ways in which we can get involved in promoting good governance and combating corruption, such as monitoring government policies, combating bribery or seeking transparency in payments companies make to governments.
  • Section 3 suggests further resources, organisations and networks.

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