Dear [Recipient],

We are writing ahead of the 15th session of the Implementation Review Group (IRG) where UNCAC States Parties will discuss the scope and format of the next phase of the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM).

Civil society experiences around the world demonstrate that the current review mechanism suffers from numerous weaknesses, making it an ineffective tool to genuinely advance the global fight against corruption.

The UNCAC Coalition – a global network of more than 400 civil society organizations in 110 countries – has conducted a consultation with civil society organizations worldwide regarding necessary measures to strengthen the IRM. The results of this consultation process are available here.

We call on you to review this information ahead of the IRG and raise our recommendations as part of negotiations on a stronger next phase.

We thank you for your attention to this information, and hope for your support in guaranteeing a more effective IRM.

Key Recommendations

• Increase transparency: Publish all inputs and outputs of the review process; publish information to facilitate civil society participation in the review process (review timelines, government focal points, entry points for CSOs, etc.); ensure that relevant information is available in an accessible and open-data format on UNODC’s website.
• Strengthen civil society participation: Require countries to engage stakeholders at key moments of the review process and during follow-up; allow civil society to participate as observers in the IRG; increase funding and capacity building to CSOs to facilitate their participation in review processes and follow-up.
• Increase efficiency: Mandate UNODC to publish and update a global calendar of reviews. If delays occur, these should be explained and addressed; increase coordination and cooperation with other review mechanisms. Peer reviewers should be allowed to incorporate findings from other review processes.
• Establish a structured follow-up process for reviews: Require States to complete self-assessment checklists on the implementation of recommendations from the first and second review cycles; ensure that future reviews take into account whether previous recommendations have been met; require States to publish annual progress reports on the implementation of recommendations, new developments, and challenges faced.
• Strengthen evaluation of implementation in practice: Develop indicators to assess the impact of and compliance with national anti-corruption frameworks to better evaluate implementation of the UNCAC in practice; encourage peer reviewers to consider CoSP resolutions during country review processes; ensure transparency and civil society participation in technical assistance efforts.
• Launch the next phase of the IRM at the next Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) in 2025.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]