14 November 2018 - UNODC launched a conference edition of a guide on best practices of civil society working in the UNCAC at the 18th International Anti-Corruption Conference in Copenhagen, 22-24 October 2018. The event heard from civil society and government who feature in the guide with stories showcasing successful engagement with the UNCAC.
The guide is on Civil Society for Development: Opportunities through the UNCAC, which shares the name of the panel discussion at the conference. Over one hundred copies were distributed to attendees at the panel discussion and wider conference, which is a co-authorship between the Civil Society Team and the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch.
Speaker Ms. Shelia Masinde said, "TI Kenya is one of two civil society representatives on the National Steering Committee on the review of the implementation of the UNCAC, having participated in both first and second cycle reviews. We are proud to be included in the review process, but are now advocating for a concrete follow-up to the gaps and recommendations adopted in the review process."
Moderator Ms. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw from UNODC welcomed the guide, commenting, "The eighth Conference of the State Parties to the UNCAC in Abu Dhabi in 2019 is a real opportunity for civil society to express their voice to Member States, including at plenary."
The other civil society speakers were from Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism, Malaysia, and the Pacific Youth Forum Against Corruption, the Solomon Islands, and the government perspective was provided by Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The guide is structured through potential entry points for civil society, looking at how they can contribute at all stages of the UNCAC from country reviews to implementation, as well as providing advice for civil society on specific Articles and Chapters of the Convention. Over 120 civil society organizations responded in full to a survey to inform about their activity surrounding the UNCAC, which was used in the guide. The guide was financed by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and will support future joint activities.
The final version of the guide will be available in the coming months.