Sofis Solutions has renewed its commitment to fighting bribery and corruption

Montevideo, October 30, 2023.

Bribery is a form of corruption, and as such it entails risks and threats to market development. The United Nations General Assembly, in its Resolution 58/4 of October 31, 2003, approved the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which laid the groundwork for the development of anti-corruption policies in public and private institutions.

Committed to transparency, Sofis Solutions opted to obtain certification in this area, and in 2019, in what was an innovation in the Uruguayan business ecosystem, became the first company certified with an Anti-Bribery Management System.

Currently certified by AENOR and UNIT, the management system is analyzed annually through audits and improved to adapt to new realities, allowing strategies to be devised for each risk that arises. Recently, the certification was renewed, reinforcing the company’s zero-tolerance stance toward bribery in all its forms.

Under the ISO 37001 standard, Sofis implements an anti-bribery policy internally and externally with all stakeholders, enabling the prevention and detection of possible fraudulent conduct. 

"Having a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption and bribery, supported by an Anti-Bribery Policy or Code of Ethics, allows us to preemptively stop such situations, reduce risks, and can become a differentiator for operating in the industry," stated Laura Vire, Coordinator of Integrated Management Systems at Sofis.

Commitments

Sofis’ anti-bribery policy considers its commitment to the United Nations Global Compact, which asks companies to adopt and promote fundamental values regarding anti-corruption, as well as human rights, labor standards, and environmental responsibility. Since 2013, the company has adhered to this compact and its principle 10 on anti-corruption, which states that companies must work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

The policy implemented through the Anti-Bribery Management System covers all company objectives and must be known by all members of Sofis Solutions, including partners, shareholders, management, and staff.

Some of the commitments set forth in Sofis Solutions’ Anti-Bribery Policy include: implementing and annually updating the Anti-Bribery Management System, internal training on the topic, communicating practices to stakeholders, controlling gifts, travel, invitations, and promotional expenses, monitoring political contributions, donations, and other benefits, conducting due diligence, among others.

In commercial processes, supplier and employee selection and contracting, and partnerships, Sofis applies due diligence measures to prevent the involvement of individuals who do not comply with this policy.

"Today it is a robust system that helps mitigate risks. We will continue improving it," highlighted Vire.

In 2019, Sofis Solutions was recognized by DERES for implementing the Anti-Bribery Management System, during the eighth edition of an event that highlights best business practices contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, the same organization, the Network of Companies for Sustainable Development, recognized Sofis Solutions for the gender focus of that management system.

An international message

The anti-corruption commitment aligns with achieving the SDGs globally, specifically SDG 16, which is based on peace, justice, and strong institutions, with one of its targets being the reduction of corruption and bribery in all possible forms.

Every December 9, International Anti-Corruption Day is observed worldwide. In this context, in 2020 and amid the Covid-19 health emergency, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated: "Corruption robs people of the resources they need, undermines trust in institutions, exacerbates the severe inequalities exposed by the virus, and creates obstacles to a strong recovery."

On the same occasion, the Secretary-General also emphasized: "On International Anti-Corruption Day, all of us (governments, businesses, civil society, and all stakeholders) must commit to working together to promote accountability and end corruption and bribery, in order to create a fairer and more equal world."