EU Statement on L5. Implementation Review Mechanism

Mr Chair, 

I would like to convey on behalf of the European Union and the 27 Member States my sincere appreciation to the State of Qatar for facilitating such an important resolution for all 192 States Parties, on the design and launch of a new phase of the Mechanism.

It was not an easy task. 

We commend the engagement of all delegations throughout consultations and the rich discussions that have taken place in the subsidiary body of the conference over the past two years. The EU believes that the IRM is essential to ensure the effective implementation of our obligations under the Convention. The Mechanism promotes constructive collaboration as well as cooperation among States Parties.

Our priority in the consultations has been to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mechanism, in practical ways, consistent with the guiding principles of the Mechanism, building upon the expertise and experiences of the States Parties. 

The EU believes that a comprehensive review will support the States Parties in their effective implementation of the Convention, and better address their technical assistance needs. 

The EU is also convinced of the merits of enhancing transparency and publicity in the second phase of the IRM and of raising awareness about the outcomes of country reviews. 

Civil society at large has an important role to play in peer reviews. Small but impactful measures have been agreed upon, such as publishing a calendar of country reviews, including information on the non-state actors consulted in the follow-up process in outcome documents, and issuing a press communiqué with the UNODC regarding the publication of the executive summary. 

The second phase of the IRM also provides for a structured and proper follow-up on the conclusions of the reviews through a standardised template to be made available on the UNODC official website of the Conference. We believe these elements will ensure that States Parties can correctly identify where further efforts to combat corruption are needed and where they can receive support in this regard.

Mr Chair,

We would like to thank Qatar and all States Parties once again for their engagement and hard work to achieve consensus and make this important resolution a success for the Conference. 

The European Union is proud to announce the co-sponsorship of resolution L.5 on behalf of the 27.