Projects

Short Description:

Overall goal

The overall objective is to continue advancing effectively the prevention and the fight against corruption in compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) as well as support the achievements of SDGs, in particular SDG 16. This will be done by continued strengthening the ability of African CSOs to fight corruption by improving their understanding of the UNCAC.

Expected results

Some expected results to be achieved by 2020 at outcome level and selected indicators:

At impact level:

- Anti-corruption efforts and the second UNCAC review cycle are more inclusive and effective: 80% of African governments include non-state stakeholders in the country visits during the second UNCAC review cycle (2016-2020).

At outcome level:

- Trained African CSOs and relevant stakeholders have contributed to the 2nd UNCAC review process together with their governments: 30% of trained CSOs give input to the country review report and/or a CSO parallel report.

- By the end of 2020, CSOs have actively engaged in anti-corruption activities, including activities that focus on human rights, with the private sector, in particular SME(s) through the Small Grants Scheme: 65% of newly trained CSOs report having initiated activities with the private sector.

- The 72 African CSOs targeted throughout the project activities have built, enhanced and strengthened their networks with governments, the private sector, other CSOs and relevant stakeholders working on anti-corruption: 50% of newly trained CSOs report having put in place follow-up activities with their governments to ensure implementation of the UNCAC.

Target group / Beneficiaries

122 African CSO representatives will be direct beneficiaries of this project, namely:

- 60 CSOs representatives and relevant stakeholders

- 12 African CSOs selected to receive grants to engage with the private sector

- 50 CSOs attending 5 relevant intergovernmental meetings between 2017-2020

At least 2 representatives from the ADC priority countries Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Ethiopia will be trained.

A gender-sensitive and inclusive approach will guide the implementation of the project. At least a third of workshop participants will be female. The project will also reach out to young people and people living with disabilities. In the selection process for the small grants scheme priority will be given to projects that are managed by women or, alternatively, to projects that target women as key beneficiaries.

UNCAC Coalition member organisations, CSOs targeted by outreach efforts, the general public and the private sector are indirect beneficiaries.

Activities

- Training sessions for selected CSOs on UNCAC and its review mechanism to enable them to engage more effectively in the second review cycle

- Facilitate information sharing and networking (e.g. through the Africa Region Anti-Corruption Platform) and connect trained CSOs with relevant stakeholders (e.g. respective governments)

- Liaise and encourage trained CSOs to replicate trainings in their respective home countries to reach out to a larger part of civil society

- Call for proposals for small grants schemes that allow CSOs to work with the private sector

Context

The project “Civil society in Africa contributes to UNCAC and its review mechanism to effectively fight corruption and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” builds on the results of two previous phases implemented by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. When civil society organisations (CSOs) are provided with opportunities to be involved in the review process, especially when CSOs who have been trained on the ramifications of the UNCAC are involved during country visits, momentum is created at the international level to bring States parties up to speed in upholding their treaty obligations on the implementation of the UNCAC. The meaningful participation of CSOs in the review process can break barriers, build confidence and promote positive interaction between CSOs and their governments, all of which leads to international and institutional opportunities to measure progress on the implementation of the UNCAC internationally. In addition the project supports African CSOs in sensitizing the private sector, in particular Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), on the UNCAC and on corruption prevention.