Nominate your anti-corruption hero

My personal anti-corruption heroes are those activists who not only believe that a world without corruption is attainable, but dedicate their time and lives to that cause, as impossible as it may sound. Combating corruption requires patience and dedication, knowledge and the willingness to change how business and politics are conducted, fighting against all odds.

Standing up against corruption takes incredible courage, especially in those environments where freedom of speech is limited and civil society is restricted. Saying no to bribery and corrupt activities can be extremely challenging, particularly when faced with economic or political pressure.

These individuals often risk their economic existence, personal safety and lives when resisting corruption. In some cases lives are lost, as we’ve seen in Burundi, Guatemala, Russia and Sri Lanka just this year.

Transparency International’s Integrity Awards honour those brave people who take on the challenge of fighting corruption, and recognise the determined courage, leadership and innovation of their efforts, particularly under difficult circumstances.

Do you know one of these anti-corruption heroes?

If so, please consider recognising this individual’s work by submitting a nomination for the 2009 Integrity Awards. Nominations will be accepted until 30 September 2009.

Nomination forms and guidelines are available here. The winners will be honoured at a ceremony that brings together the wide range of individuals and institutions that make up the anti-corruption movement.

In previous years, the Integrity Awards have honoured individuals and organisations from Asia and Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Those recognised have included journalists, public prosecutors, accountants, government officials and leaders of civil society who have all gone against the current to become an example and source of inspiration for us all.

The 2008 Award winners were investigative journalists – David Leigh, Investigations Editor at the Guardian (UK) and Roman Shleynov, Investigations Editor at Novaya Gazeta (Russia) – that TI honoured for their research and exposure of corruption in defiance of bureaucratic obstacles and the risk of legal action.

You can watch footage of the 2008 Integrity Awards here:

” Fighting corruption requires more than tools and programmes; it requires role models who inspire. Transparency International’s Integrity Awards highlight the role models who have demonstrated a commitment to their values and beliefs by their courageous actions. Integrity awards winners provide a sense of hope and empowerment – they demonstrate that it is possible for ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Integrity Awards winners are the heroes of the fight against corruption. “

TI Chair, Huguette Labelle