Press Releases
Pacific is the First Region to Embrace State of the Art
Anti-Corruption Technology
PRESS RELEASES:
22 July 2010
[Apia, 21 July 2010] "UNCAC provides a clear legal framework for
countries on what should be done in terms of criminalization of
corruption and law enforcement, and also on prevention measures such
as strengthening codes of conducts for the civil service."
Those were the sentiments of Mr. Russel Nari, Director General of the
Vanuatu Ministry of Justice, on the Day 3 of the Pacific Regional
Meeting on the Ratification and Implementation of the United Nations
Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
"I will proceed to consult with Cabinet on a decision to accede to
UNCAC, and will demonstrate how the Convention provides a
comprehensive framework for national efforts in fighting corruption,"
Mr Nari went on to state.
While some participants expressed early reservations about the
possible financial and human resource burdens associated with
ratification and implementation of UNCAC, over the course of the
workshop many participating delegations have indicated a strong
interest in progressing efforts at home to promote UNCAC ratification.
The meeting has highlighted how the Convention can strengthen and add
value to existing domestic anti-corruption efforts.
Pacific participants were particularly impressed following the Pacific
launch of the new UNCAC Self-Assessment Checklist Tool released only
three weeks previously at the Implementation Review Group of the
Conference of States Parties. The Pacific region is the first in the
world to receive training on the Checklist following that meeting.
"The UNCAC Review Mechanism has the most simple and user-friendly
system of reporting compared to other United Nations treaties. I would
strongly recommend that the UN consider reviewing other treaty
reporting mechanisms to make them as easy for States as this one. We
need reporting and review mechanisms that are less burdensome on
over-worked officials," said Russel Nari.
The Self-Assessment Checklist software developed by the United Nations
Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supports States to initiate a
thorough evaluation of their existing anti-corruption legislation and
programmes, to identify gaps, and to identify technical assistance
needs.
"The process of self-assessment is intended to enable States to
reflect on their own situation and identify both their successes, but
also areas where they would like to implement reforms. The
self-assessment is
a locally driven process that fosters buy-in from all stakeholders,"
said Giovanni Gallo, Crime Prevention Expert from the UNODC in Vienna.
The four-day regional meeting, which began on Monday 19 July in Apia
is being attended by senior government officials from fourteen Pacific
Island countries, and officials from the World Bank Stolen Assets
Recovery Initiative, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, European
Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country offices and
regional centre, and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime
(UNODC).
[Ends]
For information and media enquiries, please contact:
1. Mr. Isikeli Valemei, Governances Associate, UNDP Pacific
Centre by e-mail at isikeli.valemei@undp.org and by telephone at
(+685) (7255801)
2. Elisapeta Kerslake, Communications Associate, United Nations
Resident Coordinator's Office by e-mail: elisapeta.kerslake@undp.org
and by telephone at (+685) 23670
Pacific is the First Region to Embrace State of the Art
Anti-Corruption Technology
PRESS RELEASES:
22 July 2010
[Apia, 21 July 2010] "UNCAC provides a clear legal framework for
countries on what should be done in terms of criminalization of
corruption and law enforcement, and also on prevention measures such
as strengthening codes of conducts for the civil service."
Those were the sentiments of Mr. Russel Nari, Director General of the
Vanuatu Ministry of Justice, on the Day 3 of the Pacific Regional
Meeting on the Ratification and Implementation of the United Nations
Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
"I will proceed to consult with Cabinet on a decision to accede to
UNCAC, and will demonstrate how the Convention provides a
comprehensive framework for national efforts in fighting corruption,"
Mr Nari went on to state.
While some participants expressed early reservations about the
possible financial and human resource burdens associated with
ratification and implementation of UNCAC, over the course of the
workshop many participating delegations have indicated a strong
interest in progressing efforts at home to promote UNCAC ratification.
The meeting has highlighted how the Convention can strengthen and add
value to existing domestic anti-corruption efforts.
Pacific participants were particularly impressed following the Pacific
launch of the new UNCAC Self-Assessment Checklist Tool released only
three weeks previously at the Implementation Review Group of the
Conference of States Parties. The Pacific region is the first in the
world to receive training on the Checklist following that meeting.
"The UNCAC Review Mechanism has the most simple and user-friendly
system of reporting compared to other United Nations treaties. I would
strongly recommend that the UN consider reviewing other treaty
reporting mechanisms to make them as easy for States as this one. We
need reporting and review mechanisms that are less burdensome on
over-worked officials," said Russel Nari.
The Self-Assessment Checklist software developed by the United Nations
Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supports States to initiate a
thorough evaluation of their existing anti-corruption legislation and
programmes, to identify gaps, and to identify technical assistance
needs.
"The process of self-assessment is intended to enable States to
reflect on their own situation and identify both their successes, but
also areas where they would like to implement reforms. The
self-assessment is
a locally driven process that fosters buy-in from all stakeholders,"
said Giovanni Gallo, Crime Prevention Expert from the UNODC in Vienna.
The four-day regional meeting, which began on Monday 19 July in Apia
is being attended by senior government officials from fourteen Pacific
Island countries, and officials from the World Bank Stolen Assets
Recovery Initiative, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, European
Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country offices and
regional centre, and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime
(UNODC).
[Ends]
For information and media enquiries, please contact:
1. Mr. Isikeli Valemei, Governances Associate, UNDP Pacific
Centre by e-mail at isikeli.valemei@undp.org and by telephone at
(+685) (7255801)
2. Elisapeta Kerslake, Communications Associate, United Nations
Resident Coordinator's Office by e-mail: elisapeta.kerslake@undp.org
and by telephone at (+685) 23670
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