07th May 2018 - Tunis, Tunisia
UNODC and the Government of Libya have been collaborating and partnering for many years in a range of UNODC mandated areas of work in Libya, including in the areas of rule-of-law, criminal justice and health and anti-corruption. Due to the protracted conflict situation, some activities had been suspended. Following the recent activation of the UNODC project "Assistance for Promoting Transparency and Integrity and Strengthening the Anti-Corruption Measures in Libya", both partners agreed to hold an Experts' Roundtable Meeting on National Priorities regarding Combating Corruption and Money Laundering in Libya. The meeting was organized by UNODC and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) of Libya in coordination with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya(UNSMIL) from 7 to 8 May, in Tunis, Tunisia.
The Meeting gathered representatives of all competent national authorities, including the National Economic and Social Development Board in Libya, the Prosecutor General Office, Administrative Control Authority, Audit Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Libya, Financial Information Unit, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Libyan Investment Authority and Academia. Participants discussed existing realities and challenges of combating corruption and money laundering in Libya in the current economic context of declining oil prices, soaring inflation and high public expenditures.
UNSMIL provided an overview on the stress factors on the Libyan economy including illicit activities and crimes while UNODC explained the provisions and benefits of the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
National stakeholders presented ongoing efforts, policies, laws and programmes and identified future priorities to tackle corruption head-on.
The meeting ended with a list of recommendations outlining a comprehensive and detailed list of priorities and actions that need to be taken to combat corruption and money-laundering in a sustainable way.
