With a workshop on standards of ethical conduct for public officials on 22 November 2018, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) completed a week-long expert mission on anti-corruption in Uzbekistan.
Gathering some 300 investigators and prosecutors from all regions of Uzbekistan via video link at the Academy of the General Prosecutor's Office, the workshop focused on asset declaration, restrictions on accepting gifts, prevention of conflicts of interest and other relevant principles of behaviour and values in the public service.
During the week, the General Prosecutor's Office, the Inter-Agency Commission on combatting corruption, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UNODC and OSCE partnered to facilitate a wide range of discussions and training on the State's commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the implementation of Uzbekistan's national anti-corruption legislation and policies.
"The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the only universal legally binding anti-corruption instrument. The Convention's far-reaching approach and the mandatory character of many of its provisions make it a unique tool for developing a comprehensive response to a global problem", said Mr. Koen Marquering, Coordinator of UNODC's Criminal Justice Program in Central Asia.
On 21 November, an international conference gathered Members of Parliament, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss international standards on anti-corruption in the private sector. Another seminar focused on the prevention of corruption in the health sector. A TV talk show was also recorded to be broadcast among a wide audience to raise awareness of corruption and the role of the UNCAC in combating and preventing it.
UNODC is currently supporting the authorities with the development of its anti-corruption policies and priorities for the upcoming period, as well as the training curriculum for prosecutors and other relevant stakeholders. On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December, a conference and media forum are planned. The launch of an educational game on anti-corruption for school pupils and students is also foreseen as part of UNODC's Education for Justice Initiative.
UNODC supports national efforts to implement the UNCAC within the framework of the UNODC Program for Central Asia 2015-2019 with expert support provided by the UNODC Corruption and Economic Crime Branch in Vienna.
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For more information, please contact Ms. Vasilina Brazhko,
National Communication/PR officer, UNODC/ROCA
at +996775987817 or by e-mail: vasilina.brazhko[at]unodc.org