In the words of Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, corruption "undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security". The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility with Member States leading the process in partnership with other stakeholders. Consequently, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have a vital role to play in fighting corruption. They provide checks and balances for improving accountability in the public and private sector and therefore need support to strengthen their skills.
Presentation from Ms. Fatiha Serour |
UNODC regards civil society engagement as an integral part of the fight against corruption. Through its global project which aims to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to combat corruption and contribute to the UNCAC review process, UNODC has up to now trained over 140 CSOs worldwide and has provided grants to support their projects in Africa to raise awareness about the UNCAC to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
This project, largely funded by the Austrian Development Agency, recently underwent an independent mid-term evaluation and the results were presented in a side event which took place on the margin of the fourth session of the Working Group on Prevention in Vienna. Presenting her findings, the independent evaluator, Ms. Fatiha Serour, stressed the direct compelling effect of the trainings on CSOs in their capacity to take part, alongside governments, in the UNCAC review process. These findings were reinforced by the presentation from the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), whose Executive Secretary, Ms. Florence Dennis, underlined the importance the training played in her organization being nominated as an active participant in the UNCAC Steering Committee in her country.
The findings of the evaluation also praised the partnership between UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition and recommended extending the project over the next three years.
For more information about UNODC's activities with civil society in the fight against corruption, please visit our website or contact us by email at ngo.unit@unodc.org.