Financial Crime World

Palau Puts Corruption on Notice: Stakeholders Prioritize Prevention and Asset Recovery Measures

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KOROR, Palau - In a significant step forward for anti-corruption efforts in Palau, key stakeholders gathered to assess priorities identified from the country’s Country Review Report of its implementation of preventive measures and asset recovery under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Workshop Led by Attorney-General and UNODC Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser

The workshop was facilitated by a team from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Palau, led by Attorney-General Ernestine Rengiil and UNODC Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Annika Wythes. Representatives from government ministries, including immigration, police, financial integrity agencies, public auditor’s office, special prosecutor’s office, senate, chamber of commerce, media, non-governmental organizations, banks, and small businesses contributed to the discussion.

Priorities Identified

UNCAC Chapters II (Preventive Measures) and V (Asset Recovery)

  • Whistleblower protection legislation
  • Umbrella National Anti-Corruption Strategy
  • Re-establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman
  • Ensuring adequate material resources and specialized staff
  • Coordinated focus on implementing existing integrity legislation

Recommendations to be Presented to President Surangel Whipps

The recommendations from the workshop will be taken to President Surangel Whipps by Attorney-General Rengiil, who informed participants that their input would inform the government’s response to the detailed UNCAC Country Review Report. The executive summary and full review report are available online at the UNODC website.

UNODC Initiatives in Palau

UNODC is currently supporting several initiatives in Palau, including:

  • Youth outreach and women entrepreneurs’ development with the Chamber of Commerce
  • Equipment and technical assistance for the Media Council to strengthen local journalists’ reporting on anti-corruption
  • Outreach work with the Office of the Special Prosecutor

The organization’s work in Palau is implemented through the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UN-PRAC), a joint initiative between UNODC and UNDP supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme.