Port Vila, 4 August 2026: The Government of Vanuatu, through the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services and relevant national stakeholders, is hosting the Second Cycle Country Visit under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM) from 3 to 5 August 2026 in Port Vila.
The review focuses on Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery) of UNCAC and forms part of Vanuatu's commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance across the public sector.
Vanuatu acceded to UNCAC in 2011, reaffirming its dedication to preventing and combating corruption in all its forms. As a State Party to the Convention, Vanuatu participates in the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism, a peer review process that enables countries to assess progress, identify challenges, exchange best practices and strengthen implementation of international anti-corruption standards.
The current review is being conducted with the support of reviewing States Parties Malaysia and Argentina, together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which serves as the secretariat of the review mechanism.
The country visit follows the completion of the self-assessment and desk review stages and provides an important opportunity for reviewing experts to engage directly with national institutions responsible for implementing anti-corruption measures and asset recovery provisions under the Convention. Discussions throughout the three-day visit will focus on national laws, policies, institutional frameworks, implementation practices and areas requiring technical assistance.
Topics under review include preventive anti-corruption policies, public sector integrity, codes of conduct for public officials, public reporting and access to information, participation of civil society, private sector accountability, public procurement, anti-money laundering measures, financial intelligence systems, international cooperation and mechanisms for the recovery and return of assets derived from corruption.
This brings together representatives from a wide range of Government agencies and institutions, including the National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Committee (NIACC), Public Service Commission, Attorney General's Office, Public Prosecutor's Office, Ministry of Justice, Financial Intelligence Unit, Judiciary, Vanuatu Police Force, Ombudsman's Office, Parliament, Central Tenders Board, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders.
Speaking on the significance of the review, officials emphasized that the process demonstrates Vanuatu's continued commitment to strengthening anti-corruption systems and ensuring that national frameworks align with international standards.
"The UNCAC review process provides an invaluable opportunity for Vanuatu to showcase progress made in promoting transparency and accountability, while also identifying areas where further reforms and technical assistance may be needed. Through constructive dialogue and cooperation with international partners, Vanuatu continues to strengthen its institutions and uphold the principles of good governance."
The review mission is held in Port Vila and the national experts engage with representatives from Malaysia, Argentina and UNODC in a series of technical discussions covering the Convention's preventive measures and asset recovery provisions.
The review process is expected to strengthen national anti-corruption efforts, support institutional reforms and facilitate access to technical assistance aimed at enhancing implementation of UNCAC across government and public institutions.
