# Policy brief #01/2016, The humanitarian imperative: how curbing corruption can save lives URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/policy-brief-01-2016-the-humanitarian-imperative-how-curbing-corruption-can Type: Publication or report Published: 2016-05-20 Updated: 2020-05-12 --- 20 May 2016 Human assistance involves large sums of funding – US$ 24.5 billion in 2014 – that can be vulnerable to corruption and diversions that hurt the needy. Curbing corruption is a long-term effort that must be given strategic importance and adequate resources. Leaders of humanitarian organisations, donors and affected governments must take on the responsibilities and actions required to tackle corruption and to ensure humanitarian assistance delivers on its goals. ### Related publications ## [Accelerating Action Against Criminal and Corrupt Wealth: Recommendations for the London Illicit Finance Summit](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/recommendations-london-illicit-finance-summit) Publication • 28 May 2026 This paper sets out recommendations on how governments participating in the UK Illicit Finance Summit can deliver credible and ambitious outcomes. ## [Regulating Legitimate Interest Access: Measures to ensure meaningful access to beneficial ownership registers for public-interest stakeholders](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/legitimate-interest-measures-for-public-interest-stakeholders) Publication • 30 September 2025 Anonymous companies and trusts continue to be vehicles of choice for those seeking to hide and move illicit money. ## [G20 Position Paper: Financial integrity for sustainable development and inequality reduction](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/financial-integrity-for-sustainable-development-and-inequality-reduction) Publication • 08 October 2024 A lack of high-level engagement on corruption has weakened the clarity and impact of G20 anti-corruption initiatives for sustainable development. ## [Tackling land corruption is vital to achieving land rights and the 2030 SDG agenda](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/tackling-land-corruption-achieving-land-rights-2030-sdg-agenda) Publication • 29 June 2023 This policy brief provides recommendations for transparent land governance to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal-related targets. ## Projects - [Humanitarian aid integrity programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/humanitarian-aid-integrity-programme) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2016_PolicyBrief1_HumanitarianAid_EN_116.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2016_PolicyBrief1_HumanitarianAid_EN.pdf)