What's Happening?
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) has faced criticism for excluding civil society organizations (CSOs) from its Conferences of States Parties (CoSPs) between 2017 and 2023. Under Rule 17 of the UNCAC Rules of Procedure, states can
object to the participation of CSOs without providing justification, leading to concerns about censorship and the weakening of international anti-corruption efforts. The objections, often politically motivated, have been linked to geopolitical conflicts involving countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan. These actions have raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the UNCAC process.
Why It's Important?
The exclusion of CSOs from UNCAC CoSPs undermines the convention's goal of promoting transparency and accountability in anti-corruption efforts. CSOs play a crucial role in holding governments accountable, and their exclusion could weaken international efforts to combat corruption. The politically motivated objections reflect broader geopolitical tensions and could set a precedent for other international forums, potentially stifling civil society participation and eroding trust in global governance mechanisms.
What's Next?
As CoSP11 approaches in December 2025, there is concern that similar objections may arise, particularly from countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan. The UNCAC Coalition has emphasized the need to prevent unjust objections and ensure inclusive participation. The upcoming conference will be a critical test of the UNCAC's commitment to transparency and accountability, and the international community will be watching closely to see how these issues are addressed.
Beyond the Headlines
The politicization of the UNCAC process highlights the challenges of balancing national interests with global governance. The exclusion of CSOs raises ethical questions about the role of civil society in international forums and the potential for states to use procedural rules to suppress dissent. This situation underscores the need for reforms to ensure that international conventions remain inclusive and transparent.
