Global Civil Society Coalition for the UNCAC resources
- CoSP11 Submission: “Protecting and promoting civil society participation in anti-corruption” (November 2025), on civic space, challenges, and recommendations to States.
- CoSP11 Submission: “Meaningful, transparent and inclusive UNCAC implementation reviews” (November 2025), on best practices for transparency and civil society participation in UNCAC country reviews.
- Doha Civil Society Declaration: Declaration adopted by civil society at CoSP11 (December 2025), calling for the protection of civic space in anti-corruption efforts:
- Atlanta Civil Society Declaration: Declaration adopted by civil society at CoSP10 (December 2023), calling for the protection of civic space in anti-corruption efforts.
Key Reports from UN Bodies and Special Rapporteurs
- Joint Statement of UN Special Mandate Holders: “UN Experts Urge States Parties to Safeguard Civic Space and Uphold Human Rights in Anti-Corruption Efforts” (August 2025). The first-ever joint call by UN human rights experts specifically to UNCAC States Parties, urging governments to strengthen the inclusiveness and transparency of the IRM and ensure meaningful civil society participation.
- Human Rights Council Resolution 59/10: “Civil Society Space” (July 2025). This submission highlights the threats facing civil society and includes specific calls to action for States to ensure a safe and enabling environment. This is highly relevant for civil society working on anti-corruption.
- UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association: “Freedom of Assembly and Association Rights, Collective Action and Human Solidarity Facing an Existential Threat” (2025). Report documenting the global dismantling of civil society funding and its impact.
- UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association: “Global Aid Dismantling Poses Existential Threat to Collective Action and Human Solidarity” (2025).
- UN Guidance Note: “Protection and Promotion of Civic Space” (2020).
- OHCHR Guidelines: “OHCHR Guidelines for States on the Effective Implementation of the Right to Participate in Public Affairs” (July 2018).
Key Reports from Civil Society and Research Organizations
- CIVICUS Monitor: Annual global assessment of civic space conditions.
- ARTICLE 19: Guide on the Enforcement of Articles 10 and 13 of the UNCAC (2022).
- Transparency International: “Missing in Action: Where is Civic Space in UNCAC Reviews?” (December 2025).
THE UNCAC FRAMEWORK AND CIVIL SOCIETY
- UNCAC Article 13: Participation of Society, Article 13 requires each State Party to “take appropriate measures, within its means and in accordance with fundamental principles of its domestic law, to promote the active participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations, in the prevention of and the fight against corruption.” Specific measures include strengthening the transparency of decision-making, ensuring effective public access to information, and undertaking public information activities.
- UNCAC Article 10: Public Reporting Article 10 addresses access to information, requiring States to take necessary measures to enhance transparency in public administration, including public access to information.
- UNGASS Political Declaration (2021): Paragraphs 21 and 31 of the Political Declaration of the UN Special Session Against Corruption reaffirms the role of civil society in anti-corruption efforts.
- CoSP10 Resolution 10/1: adopted at the 10th UNCAC Conference of States Parties, includes commitments on civil society participation and civic space.
