Financial Crime World

Ecuador’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Lag Behind International Standards, Report Finds

Abstract

A new report by Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo (FCD) highlights Ecuador’s progress in developing legal frameworks for preventing corruption. However, the implementation of asset recovery provisions remains poor and several areas need improvement.

The State of Anti-Corruption Efforts in Ecuador

Ecuador has made significant progress in developing legal frameworks to prevent corruption, but its anti-corruption efforts still lag behind international standards. A new report by FCD highlights the following concerns:

Lack of Coordination Between Bodies

  • The Transparency and Social Control Function has been criticized for its inefficiency.
  • The Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS) lacks autonomy and independence, making it difficult to implement effective measures against corruption.

Need for a National Plan on Prevention of and Fight Against Corruption

A national plan on prevention of and fight against corruption should be published in a timely and proactive manner. This will allow citizens to monitor its implementation and ensure that all government institutions and non-state actors are involved.

Strengthening Coordination Among State Bodies and Public Institutions

To strengthen their efforts against corruption, coordination among State bodies and public institutions needs to be improved. This includes:

  • Developing minimum standards and a model for public codes of conduct.
  • Regulating conflicts of interest and ‘revolving doors’.
  • Extending the obligation to submit sworn asset declarations to candidates running for elected office.

Improving Asset Recovery Provisions

Ecuador has legal tools for confiscation of assets resulting from illicit activities, but they are insufficient and limited. A bill on asset forfeiture needs to be passed, enabling the recovery of assets without a conviction and improving the implementation of UNCAC.

Recommendations for Full Implementation of UNCAC in Ecuador

FCD recommends the following to ensure full implementation of UNCAC in Ecuador:

  • Develop minimum standards and a model for public codes of conduct, as well as a follow-up mechanism for compliance.
  • Regulate conflicts of interest and ‘revolving doors’.
  • Extend the obligation to submit sworn asset declarations to candidates running for elected office.
  • Approve a new Organic Law on Transparency and Access to Public Information (LOTAIP) in line with inter-American model laws, international standards and relevant new technologies.

Conclusion

The report serves as a call for action for the government and civil society organizations to work together in ensuring that Ecuador meets its commitments under UNCAC.