18 May 2018 - This day marks the launch of the ASEAN civil society e-platform during an event on 'Fast tracking the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) through civil society e-platform'. The event which was organized by the UNODC Civil Society Team (CST) in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom (U.K.), brought together representatives from governments, the United Nations and civil society to highlight the significance of civil society involvement in the implementation of UNCAC and its review process, as required by Article 13 of the Convention. The online platform is a response to a recommendation made by civil society during the Regional Conference on Fast-tracking Implementation of UNCAC for Economic and Social Development in Southeast Asia held in Bangkok in February 2017.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Cynthia Gabriel, co-founder of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, Malaysia, who is currently coordinating the work on the platform explained that "civil society organizations (CSOs) are on the frontline of the fight against corruption''. She also stressed the importance of involving investigative journalists and the private sector, giving an example of her country's (Malaysia) recent successful election, which was driven by anti-corruption sentiments.
Mr. Chatchom Akapin, Deputy Director General of the International Affairs Department in the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand said: "The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility involving all stakeholders, including civil society. Civil society plays an important role in exposing crimes which can lead to prosecution."
Also addressing the event, Mr. Kol Preap, Executive Director of Transparency International Cambodia, highlighted the importance of networking in the ASEAN region and the crucial role played by CSOs in the fight against corruption. In fact, acts of corruption identified by UNCAC are often at the root of most transnational organized crime activities.
The event was chaired by Mr. Ian Tennant, Senior Political Attaché at the Permanent Mission of the U.K. in Vienna, who highlighted the importance of meaningful partnerships between civil society and Member States, which is in line with the objectives of the U.K.'s Prosperity Fund, established following the London Anti-Corruption Summit held on 12 May 2016.
The newly established anti-corruption platform for Southeast Asia is the third e-platform supported by the UNODC Civil Society Team, with the other two being the anti-corruption e-platforms for Africa and Southeast Europe. The new e-platform will allow CSOs from the region to connect, collaborate, and share practices and expertise.
The event was organized on the margins of the 27 th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice which was attended by some 121 NGO representatives from 43 NGOs.