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Press Release
FSM Successfully Concludes Second Review Under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) successfully completed a country review on its implementation of binding obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The FSM acceded to the UNCAC in 2012, and assumed a legal obligation to implement concrete anti-corruption measures. Anti-Corruption experts from the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Singapore conducted the country review from October 8th to 10th, 2019, and discussed with FSM authorities, including representatives of the FSM Department of Justice, FSM Department of Finance & Administration, and the Office of the Public Auditor, what progress has been made country-wide, as well as discussing the major challenges and roadblocks encountered in domesticating legal obligations set by the UNCAC.
This was the FSM’s second country review, the first one occurring in 2014—two years after the FSM became a State Party to the UNCAC.
The Honorable Yosiwo P. George, Vice President of the FSM, welcomed the delegates, and in particular the visiting experts from China and Singapore, as well as key staff from the Secretariat to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), based in Vienna and in Suva, at the opening ceremony held in the Central Facilities Building in Palikir on October 8th. The reviewers noted with appreciation the FSM’s commitment towards open, transparent, and accountable public service. Among the key developments shared with the reviewers was the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which is being finalized to provide a concrete and reviewable framework in combatting corruption in the FSM.
The National Anti-Corruption Strategy will be launched later this year and will be subject to further consultations with stakeholders nationwide. Part of the strategy includes the development of legislation to support, and implement, anti-corruption initiatives. Examples include a freedom of information law that would give the public access to public information, as well as a “Disclosure of Financial Contributions” law that would require elected public officials to disclose their financial contributions.
The country visit was facilitated by the FSM Department of Justice through Acting Secretary Leonito Bacalando, Jr., who serves as the focal point for the UNCAC. Also joining the discussions at the Central Facilities Building were Associate Justice Beauleen Carl-Worswick and staff from the FSM Supreme Court, as well as legal staff from the 21st Congress of the FSM. The review process involved exchanges of views and constructive dialogue, and sharing of experiences and best practices, not only among visiting experts but also with key agencies and stakeholders in the FSM. These included the National and State Public Auditors, the National Registrar of Corporations, and Executive Branch Departments including the Department of Finance & Administration, the Department of Environment, Climate Change, & Emergency Management, the Department of Education, the Department of Health & Social Affairs, as well as local banks and regulators, Law Enforcement agencies, members of the business community, the Chamber of Commerce, and broader civil society.
This country review is specific to Chapters 2 and 5 of the UNCAC pertaining to Preventive Measures and Asset Recovery, respectively. The results of the review will further assist the FSM in identifying weaknesses in the implementation of the UNCAC, and will produce specific recommendations by the experts on possible ways of addressing those weaknesses.
Under the rules of the UNCAC, this review process does not give any ratings among States Parties, nor does it impose any sort of sanctions or penalties. It does, however, encourage States Parties to abide by their obligations through open dialogue, and sharing of best practices, in the area of anti-corruption. In the spirit of cooperation, the FSM itself serves as reviewer of other countries under the review mechanism. A summary outcome of the review will be made public in accordance with the rules of the UNCAC.
As a State Party to the UNCAC, the FSM is committed to honoring its legal obligation under this Convention. As His Excellency David W. Panuelo, ninth President of the FSM, declared in his inaugural address to the Nation, the administration intends to bring moretransparency, openness, and accountability in public service.
