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.

Future of UN Convention Against Corruption In the Balance at Doha This Week

As the 4th Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) approaches, governments are deadlocked over how to monitor compliance. Decisions made at the November 9-13 meeting in Doha, Qatar, will determine whether this global framework will fulfill its promise of curbing corruption and its destructive impact on millions of people.

The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) established a global framework for the prevention, detection and prosecution of corruption, and for the legal and technical cooperation necessary to prosecute cases and recover stolen assets. It has been ratified by 141 countries to date.

Effective implementation will depend on parties establishing and participating in an effective, transparent and inclusive review mechanism. G20 Leaders committed in Pittsburgh to adopt such a mechanism, but a few key governments are threatening to block progress.

Transparency International is one of more than 300 civil society groups collectively demanding effective monitoring of UNCAC at the conference in Doha. TI, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and UN Global Compact, secured the support of 24 CEOs for the mechanism. TI submitted recommendations for a review mechanism and TI Chair, Huguette Labelle, will lead a civil society delegation of almost 40 TI chapters and experts who will encourage countries to live up to their commitments.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Transparency International-USA blog. We are working here at home and in collaboration with other TI chapters around the world to combat corruption in government, development and the private sector.

We are launching our blog at a critical time for the anti-corruption agenda. We have succeeded in raising awareness of the pernicious impact of corruption, including on efforts to alleviate poverty, protect the environment, conserve natural resources, promote a more ethical business culture and support national security interests. We have also secured global consensus for the reforms necessary to address corruption. The OECD Convention on Bribery of Foreign Public Officials, the UN Convention Against Corruption, The World Bank Governance & Anti-Corruption Strategy and the UN Global Compact 10th Principle but a few examples of the many agreed reform initiatives.

The challenge going forward is to put these reforms into practice. Our blog will focus on how governments, development institutions, export credit agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders are translating their commitments to transparency, accountability and integrity into action. We will keep you posted on current initiatives, breaking news and developments and upcoming events. We welcome your comments and updates. For more information, check out our website at http://www.transparency-usa.org/.