Ecuador Struggles to Implement Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Regulations, Report Finds
QUITO, Ecuador - Despite making progress in developing legal frameworks to prevent corruption, Ecuador’s implementation of anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations remains lacking, according to a recent report by Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo.
Progress Made, but Challenges Remain
The report, which assessed the country’s progress in implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), found that while some laws are in place, their application is poor. This has resulted in few convictions for corruption-related crimes and limited asset recovery efforts.
Key Issues Identified
- Improved Coordination Needed: The report emphasized the need for improved coordination among government institutions to combat corruption.
- National Plan Required: The report recommended creating a national plan on prevention and fight against corruption, including all government bodies and non-state actors.
- Minimum Standards and Model for Public Codes of Conduct: The report highlighted the importance of developing minimum standards and a model for public codes of conduct, as well as a follow-up mechanism for compliance with respective institutions’ obligations.
Recommendations
The report included several key recommendations for priority actions to be taken by the Ecuadorian government to ensure full implementation of the UNCAC:
- Adoption of Regulations: The adoption of regulations to facilitate asset recovery and international cooperation in this area without violating citizens’ fundamental rights.
- Extension of Obligation to Submit Sworn Asset Declarations: Extending the obligation to submit sworn asset declarations to candidates running for elected office and expanding their content based on international standards.
- Approval of Organic Law on Transparency and Access to Public Information: Approving a new Organic Law on Transparency and Access to Public Information that complies with inter-American model laws and international standards.
Challenges Ahead
Ecuador has made some progress in implementing anti-corruption measures, such as making confiscation against legal persons viable. However, the report noted that the country still lacks a comprehensive plan to combat corruption and that its laws are not always enforced effectively.
Global Civil Society Network’s Assessment
A global civil society network promoting the implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) released the report, which aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of Ecuador’s progress in implementing the convention.
Financial Action Task Force Evaluation
The report comes as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is set to evaluate Ecuador’s anti-money laundering efforts this year. The country has made some progress in developing technical standards and protocols aimed at achieving effective implementation of measures, but more needs to be done, according to the report.
Conclusion
Ecuador still faces significant challenges in implementing its anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations. While progress has been made, it is essential for the government to address the key issues identified in the report to ensure a comprehensive plan to combat corruption and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.