U4 Issue | 2013

The role of civil society in the UNCAC review process: Moving beyond compliance?

Marijana Trivunovic, Nils Taxell, Jesper Johnsøn, Rita de Cássia Biason (2013)
Bergen: Chr. Michelsen Institute (U4 Issue 2013:4) 43 p.

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How to cite this publication:

Marijana Trivunovic, Nils Taxell, Jesper Johnsøn, Rita de Cássia Biason (2013). The role of civil society in the UNCAC review process: Moving beyond compliance? Bergen: Chr. Michelsen Institute (U4 Issue 2013:4)

Spanish version: El papel de la sociedad civil en el proceso de examen de la UNCAC: ¿avanzar más allá del cumplimiento?

Civil society plays a crucial role in the fight against corruption. The inclusion of civil society in the United Nations Convention against Corruption Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM), however, is only optional. This paper analyses the role civil society has played to date in the IRM in Bangladesh, Brazil, Croatia, and Zambia. The process was broadly perceived as an one-off technical exercise without clear connection to the fight against corruption. This is in large part due to the process being perceived as lacking transparency and civil society participation. The report identifies several opportunities to strengthen the role of civil society, including: 1) promote awareness of the IRM; 2) ensure sufficient time for meaningful public participation; and 3) develop specific policy advice and practical guidance aimed at ensuring broad public participation.

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