Government
Building states that are capable, responsive and accountable to their citizens.
We work in partner countries to help improve the capability of state institutions and strengthen accountability to the poor.
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Tackling corruption
Goods, people and money move around the world more than ever before. But too often public money finds its way into private bank accounts. Britain has pledged to:
- Make sure that aid is used for the purposes it is meant for
- Help developing countries fight corruption
- Promote responsible business
- Close the international loopholes that allow people to launder stolen money.
On top of that, the UK Government has set up special police units to investigate foreign bribery and money laundering.
Good governance
Good governance is about the capacity of governments to ensure safety and security for their people, to be able to get things done, to give people the chance to be heard and to respond to what they want. It's about creating a climate in which people - local and from abroad - will want to invest their money and get the economy going, creating jobs and opportunity for a better life. It’s about ensuring the rule of law and effective policing.
Good governance is not just about government. It is also about political parties, parliament, the judiciary, the media, and civil society. It is about how citizens, leaders and public institutions relate to each other in order to make change happen. Elections and democracy are an important part of the equation, but equally important is the way government goes about the business of governing. Unless governance improves, poor people will continue to suffer from a lack of security, public services and economic opportunities.
Fragile states
Fragile states are countries where the government cannot or will not deliver its basic functions to the majority of its people, including the poor. In many fragile states, basic rights to life and security are violated, sufficient food is a luxury and there is little or no public provision for water, health and education.
