In a significant first, a group of United Nations human rights experts - Special Mandate Holders - have issued a joint call urging governments to strengthen transparency and civil society participation in the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
The statement—welcomed by the UNCAC Coalition, of which Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) is a member—underscores the global recognition that fighting corruption is inseparable from protecting fundamental freedoms.
The experts’ statement highlights that civil society organisations, journalists, and human rights defenders play a vital role in holding governments accountable and ensuring anti-corruption measures are effective. They call on UNCAC States Parties to the Convention to open up the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism to greater public participation, allow shadow reports from independent groups, and ensure protection for those who speak out against corruption.
While civil society has long pressed for more inclusive processes, this is the first time such a collective appeal has come from within the UN’s human rights system itself.
Special Mandate Holders are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on human rights issues. Carrying titles such as Special Rapporteur or Independent Expert, they serve voluntarily but their findings carry significant authority. Their independence from governments and the UN system itself provides credibility and gravitas, and in this case makes their united call especially powerful.
This is the first time such a group of UN human rights experts has collectively addressed States Parties to the UNCAC. It signals growing recognition at the highest levels that corruption is not only a governance problem but also a human rights issue.
The UNCAC Coalition, a global network of more than 350 civil society organisations, has hailed the statement as unprecedented and vital. The Coalition has long advocated for greater transparency and inclusiveness in UNCAC reviews, producing dozens of independent “parallel reports” since 2020 to fill gaps left by official reporting. Having UN experts echo these calls for openness and participation lends new momentum to civil society’s efforts.
As a member of the UNCAC Coalition, Transparency International New Zealand supports these demands. Tackling corruption effectively requires an open environment where civil society can contribute, scrutinise, and hold decision-makers to account. This joint call from UN mandate holders reinforces what we and our partners have consistently argued: anti-corruption cannot succeed without transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Links:
- Joint call by Special Mandate Holders
- Media Release UNCAC Coalition welcomes unprecedented joint statement by UN Experts, calling on States to strengthen civil society participation in the UNCAC review mechanism
- UNCAC Coalition: Key Recommendations to make the IRM more effective in strengthening UNCAC implementation
