International Development Law Organization
Home > News E-Library > Policy Statements

Meeting of the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group

Statement Of The International Development Law Organization
Delivered by Liliana De Marco, Director of External Relations and Partnerships, IDLO
 
Meeting af the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group
Session 8: International Organizations and Partners
7 July 2022 Bali
 

It is a pleasure to take the floor on behalf of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).

I would like to thank the Co-Chairs, Indonesia and Australia, for this opportunity to brief you on IDLO’s work on anti-corruption.

IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively dedicated to promoting peace and sustainable development through the rule of law.

Anti-corruption is a key strategic priority within IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024. Through a comprehensive approach to anti-corruption that encompasses research, advocacy and programming, IDLO supports countries to combat corruption and promote greater transparency and integrity in justice institutions.

IDLO’s approach is anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Political Declaration of the 2021 UNGASS on Anti-Corruption. It also aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s report Our Common Agenda and his call to rebuild trust in institutions by preventing and countering corruption.

Since IDLO last addressed the Working Group we have continued to support partners around the world to tackle corruption through interventions focused on strengthening capacities to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption.

In Armenia, for example, IDLO is providing support to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Court. This work builds on lessons learnt in Ukraine, where prior to the current conflict IDLO contributed to setting up a merit-based process for judges and staff of the High Anti-Corruption Court. Once operational, the Armenian Court will serve as an essential link in the new institutional framework for countering corruption.

In Ukraine, IDLO has been working as a key partner in the country’s long-awaited judicial administration reform, which has now been relaunched after a temporary suspension due to the conflict. IDLO experts are supporting the operationalization of the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ) and the High Council of Justice (HCJ) through competitive and merit-based selection processes, in line with the Venice Commission recommendations.

In addition to our work on institutional integrity, IDLO has also been working to strengthen national anti-corruption frameworks. In the Bahamas, for instance, IDLO recently presented the results of its analysis of the country’s anti-corruption laws and policies. These included recommendations to align legislation with international standards and strengthen whistleblower protection. IDLO and the Attorney-General of the Bahamas have agreed on further cooperation to advance these reforms.

Recognizing that as corruption threats continue to evolve, so too should our responses, IDLO also promotes the use of information and communication technologies in anti-corruption initiatives. For instance, in Somalia, IDLO is supporting the national Financial Reporting Centre to ensure compliance with the Financial Action Task Force requirements. This includes the procurement of the goAML software system, developed by our partners at UNODC. To support this new system, IDLO has strengthened the Centre’s digital infrastructure, including through the establishment of a dedicated server room, data management, and security procedures and systems.

IDLO also engages in international policy processes on anti-corruption.

In December of last year IDLO attended the 9th Conference of States Parties to UNCAC, where we were pleased to host a special event on ‘A Rule of Law Approach to Promoting Integrity and Building Trust’. We were delighted to be joined by partners from both UNODC and the Indonesian G20 Working Group Chairmanship to examine the role of ethics and integrity standards in countering corruption among public officials.

At the 2022 World Justice Forum, IDLO moderated a session on Anti-Corruption and Open Government which examined initiatives to advance the rule of law, promote open and accountable governance, and curb corrupt practices. Initiatives ranged from a monitoring template to track corruption cases in Nigeria to an oversight tool to ensure transparency in the distribution of public funds in Paraguay.

IDLO also participates in the UNODC Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the Prevention of Corruption, including the meeting last month, where we highlighted IDLO’s work at the intersection of corruption and technology as well as the importance of anti-corruption training and awareness raising. IDLO remains committed to continuing and expanding these programmatic, policy and advocacy initiatives and stands ready to provide technical assistance to national partners in collaboration with key global stakeholders, including the G20 Working Group.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Download
Topics: