Tackle corruption in poor countries, G20 leaders told

An international Christian movement is calling upon G20 leaders to tackle world poverty when they meet in France next month.

Micah Challenge wants world leaders to recommit to ending corruption, which it holds partly responsible for the continued reality of poverty around the world.

International director of Micah Challenge, the Rev Joel Edwards said corruption, poor governance, and poor transparency were "major barriers" to overcoming poverty in the least developed countries in the world.

"If the world leaders start to address these issues, then we will be on the way to reaching the Millennium Development Goals to which the world is already committed," he said.

"Corruption at the highest level in some countries means that the very poor remain very poor, with resources going to a few people at the top, or to outside agencies who have bribed their way into contracts.

"And even when social or aid programmes are specifically designed to help the poor, funds are often diverted from front-line services because of bribery or inefficiency."

The economic summit will bring G20 leaders to Cannes on November 3 and 4.

Micah Challenge representatives around the world are writing to their French ambassadors to express their support for the French government's plans to place poverty and corruption high on the agenda.

Micah Challenge France will be holding a church service in Cannes the Sunday before the meeting begins, to be attended by many French and international Christian leaders.

The service will be a chance to pray and challenge churches and political leaders on their commitment to ending poverty and corruption.

"While we understand much of the focus for the G20 will be the state of the world economy, we do not want the world leaders to take their eye off the Millennium Development Goals," said Micah Challenge France co-ordinator, M Thierry Seewald.

Micah Challenge wants G20 nations to follow the lead of the USA in introducing a requirement for companies to publish what they pay to all governments where they operate.

It is also urging the G20 leaders to improve the fight against tax havens that deprive nations of much needed tax income

"So much more needs to be done if we are going to see a considerable change in the lives of many very poor people across the world," said Edwards.

"That’s why we are calling the church to be an example of integrity so we can call business and government to serve communities honestly. Dealing with corruption is a key to overcoming poverty."