Transparency International welcomes extension of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group mandate

Anti-corruption Working Group tackles global anti-corruption issues such as enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations

Transparency International today welcomed the extension of the mandate of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group. The extension acknowledges the importance of anti-corruption work as G20 leaders seek to address the current Eurozone crisis and stabilize the global economy.

“The Anti-Corruption Working Group, made up of the anti-corruption experts of all G20 countries, is a valuable forum for global coordination on transnational anti-corruption issues such as enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations, effective mutual legal assistance procedures and return of stolen public assets,” said Huguette Labelle, chair of Transparency International.

Transparency International also applauded G20 commitments to more effectively pursue the corrupt. However, the principles for denial of entry for corrupt officials and for asset declarations by public officials should be made public so that progress in sticking to the pledges can be measured.

G20 leaders meeting at Los Cabos have endorsed principles “for denial of entry to our countries of corrupt officials, and those who corrupt them, and will continue to develop frameworks for cooperation”. They have committed to publishing a guide on their various legal systems to facilitate the recovery and restitution of stolen assets.

G20 leaders have also committed to “further improve the transparency and effectiveness of the G20” including by developing more comprehensive outreach processes with “non-members, regional and international organizations, including the UN and other actors”.

The G20 should continue to engage with business and civil society, Transparency International said. This includes enabling stakeholders to play a watchdog role through greater transparency and the establishment of a formal G20 civil society consultation process in the future.

The G20’s renewed commitment to fight against corruption can boost political will, but making the laws count will always be a national task. The strongest message G20 governments can send is putting the measures agreed at Los Cabos in place.