Port Vila, 02 – 06 – 2026: The National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Committee (NIAC) has made significant progress in advancing Vanuatu's National Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy following a series of productive working sessions held at the Ministry of Justice and Community Services.
The committee, comprising representatives from key government institutions and stakeholders, continues to strengthen national efforts to promote integrity, transparency and accountability across the public sector. Active members include the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services, the Prime Minister's Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Public Prosecutor, the Vanuatu Police Force, the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (VFIU), the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (VLRC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, media organisations, and civil society organisations.
During its recent meetings, members reviewed and refined the draft National Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy with technical support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Chairperson of the National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Committee, Maeva Magmui, thanked members for their continued commitment.
"I sincerely thank all committee members and their representatives for their valuable contributions to reviewing the draft policy. Your insights and constructive discussions have strengthened this important national initiative. I also acknowledge UNODC, particularly Marie, for the technical support provided throughout this process."
The committee has developed a comprehensive workplan that outlines key activities and timelines leading towards the completion of the policy. Members will continue reviewing the draft before it is circulated for wider consultation with government agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The consultation process aims to ensure broad national ownership and strengthen the policy before it is submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration in August 2026.
Following endorsement, the committee will work closely with the Office of the Attorney General to prepare drafting instructions for two landmark pieces of legislation: the Anti-Corruption Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill. The objective is to have both Bills ready for consideration during the November 2026 Parliamentary sitting.
Despite adjustments to the consultation timetable following advice from the Office of the Attorney General that draft Bills must first be prepared, the committee remains committed to maintaining momentum.
As part of this commitment, UNODC is supporting a series of capacity-building activities, including:
- Working sessions on the draft National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Policy.
- Anti-corruption induction for Members of Parliament.
- Meetings with development partners.
- A Civil Society Organisation Preparatory Workshop on Anti-Corruption Consultation and UNCAC Country Review Readiness.
These activities reinforce Vanuatu's commitment to implementing international best practices under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) while strengthening national institutions to prevent and combat corruption.
The National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Committee remains committed to working collaboratively with government, civil society, development partners and the people of Vanuatu to build a transparent, accountable and corruption-free nation.