Cook Islands Moves to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Laws, Enhance International Cooperation
The government of the Cook Islands has outlined several key measures aimed at strengthening its anti-corruption laws and enhancing international cooperation. This move is seen as a crucial step in tackling corruption, which remains a significant challenge for the small Pacific island nation.
Creating an Independent Specialized Anti-Corruption Authority
The Cook Islands is set to finalize the process of creating an independent specialized anti-corruption authority, ensuring its independence, and boosting the capacity of its staff. This move will help improve the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
Key Objectives:
- Ensure independence of the authority
- Boost capacity of staff
- Improve implementation of UNCAC
Reporting Suspected Instances of Corruption
The government has also indicated plans to consider adopting legislative provisions requiring public officials to report suspected instances of corruption to relevant authorities responsible for anti-corruption law enforcement. This move aims to encourage citizens to come forward and report corrupt activities, thereby helping to bring perpetrators to justice.
Key Benefits:
- Encourages citizens to report corrupt activities
- Helps bring perpetrators to justice
Harmonizing Definition of “Proceeds”
The Cook Islands is set to harmonize its definition of “proceeds” in line with Article 2 of UNCAC. This change will help strengthen anti-money laundering efforts and improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.
Key Changes:
- Definition of “proceeds” will cover any property derived from or obtained through the commission of an offence
Technical Assistance Needs
Technical assistance needs were also identified to improve the implementation of UNCAC, including summarizing good practices in relation to:
• Embezzlement • Trading of influence • Abuse of functions • Illicit enrichment • Bribery in the private sector • Money-laundering • Obstruction of justice • Cooperation with law enforcement authorities
International Cooperation
The Cook Islands has outlined its observations on the implementation of extradition, transfer of sentenced persons, and transfer of criminal proceedings under UNCAC. The country’s Extradition Act 2003 governs extradition procedures, which apply to Commonwealth countries, Pacific Island countries, and comity countries.
Key Observations:
- No extradition requests have been sent or received in the last five years
Commitment to Anti-Corruption Efforts
The Cook Islands government has committed to strengthening its anti-corruption laws and enhancing international cooperation, demonstrating its commitment to combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.
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