UNCAC Parties Leave Future in Doubt

After agreeing in 2006 that a review mechanism is necessary to promote implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption, and haggling ever since on its elements, the Conference of State Parties meeting in Doha failed to include those elements that would help ensure governments fulfill their obligations under the treaty. Despite the efforts of most UNCAC parties to secure a robust mechanism, agreement was blocked by a few, including some members of the G20 who only a month earlier, in Pittsburgh, had called for adoption of “an effective transparent and inclusive mechanism.”
TI-USA and TI chapters around the world had called for full publication of country reports and other materials, in-country visits by independent reviewers and meaningful participation of civil society. These are the fundamental elements of successful review mechanisms, such as those for the OECD and Council of Europe conventions. Public reporting and citizen participation are also fundamental requirements of the UNCAC itself.
Yet, some governments blocked inclusion of such requirements. Since the agreed language has still not been posted, final details are not clear. However, it appears that governments are not required to publish reports, permit country visits or accept input from civil society nor is it required that civil society inputs be given to independent reviewers.
Without these requirements, the mechanism is compromised and the future of the UNCAC as a powerful tool to effectively tackle corruption is uncertain.