Financial Crime World

Eswatini Urged to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts

=====================================================

In a recent report presented at the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), Eswatini has been called upon to review and update its national anti-corruption strategy. The country has also been encouraged to adopt measures to enhance collaboration with international organizations, grant independence to its anti-corruption agency, provide necessary resources, and establish clear criteria for the appointment and promotion of public officials.

Challenges in Implementation

The report highlighted several challenges in Eswatini’s implementation of UNCAC. These included:

  • Limitations in recognizing and enforcing foreign orders under its Criminal Matters (Mutual Assistance) Act
  • Lack of guidelines regulating asset recovery procedures

Progress Made, but More Work to be Done

While Eswatini has made some progress in preventing corruption, there is still more work to be done. This includes:

  • Strengthening measures to prevent corruption in the private sector
  • Promoting transparency and accountability in public administration
  • Ensuring effective access to information

Technical Assistance Needs Identified

To improve implementation of UNCAC, several technical assistance needs were identified. These include:

  • Legislative assistance
  • Capacity development
  • Electronic records management systems
  • Institution-building initiatives

Asset Recovery Framework Needs Strengthening

The report also highlighted the need for Eswatini to strengthen its asset recovery framework. This includes:

  • Updating its Criminal Matters (Mutual Assistance) Act to reflect changes introduced by the Prevention of Organized Crime Act in 2018
  • Establishing guidelines regulating asset recovery procedures

International Cooperation Crucial

International cooperation is critical in the fight against corruption, and Eswatini has been encouraged to:

  • Strengthen its bilateral and multilateral agreements and arrangements
  • Provide assistance under section 4 of its Criminal Matters (Mutual Assistance) Act, which allows for cooperation with countries that do not have a treaty

Media Plays Key Role

The media plays a crucial role in anti-corruption efforts. Eswatini’s civil society and media organizations have been encouraged to continue their efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. The report highlighted the importance of independent media outlets in holding those in power accountable and exposing cases of corruption.

Overall, the report emphasized the need for Eswatini to take a comprehensive approach to combating corruption, including strengthening its anti-corruption agency, enhancing international cooperation, and promoting transparency and accountability in public administration.