In response to the terrorist attacks that have been occurring throughout the world the United Nations created the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The focus of the Act is on the policies, procedures, and behaviours of companies with which the United States conducts business as well as the conduct of the Public Officials of those countries. It applies not only to foreign officials but to domestic officials as well. The policies and procedures are set in place to create an environment wherein in criminal behavior is discovered, investigated and prosecuted, creating a world that is better to live in for all the people on the planet, a world wherein unethical, immoral, corrupt and illegal activities are stopped in their tracks. As part of this continued effort the United Nations enacted in 1996 an International Code of Conduct, this is in regards to specifically public officials.
This was adopted for use by agencies as a tool or a guide for them in the efforts in the fight within the public sectors against fraud and corruption. This is a basic, but detailed and thorough list of recommendations regarding the performance of the officials duties and the means in which they must follow these recommendations. These general principles are in regards to fairness, effectiveness, integrity, loyalty and impartiality in all aspects of their performance.
This applies not only to their work, but to their personal character as well. This also involve the principle of transparency. This means that they must agree to disclosing their books and their assets, as well as those of their husbands or wives, or other dependents. This serves to lay it all out in the open and serves to not only detect those who are committing acts of corruption, but to protect those who are not as well. If there is not criminal behavior, than they should fear and will have nothing to hide. They must also disclose any favors they either accept or extend, as well the giving and receiving of gifts. This states as well that the activities of the officials must not impair nor be destructive to the confidence of the public for which they represents, and must perform all there actions in regards to these standards at all time.
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