Guyana advances in combating corruption with successful UNCAC review visit

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has announced the successful completion of the second stage of Guyana’s second review cycle under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The in-situ visit, conducted as part of the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM) of the UNCAC, took place in Georgetown from March 18 to 20, 2025.

Guyana, which acceded to the UNCAC on April 16, 2008, has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption, enhancing transparency, and strengthening accountability. By actively participating in the IRM, the country engages in a peer review process aimed at supporting states in the effective implementation of the Convention’s provisions.

This latest review cycle focused on two key areas: Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery). The review specifically examined the country’s efforts in developing corruption prevention strategies and establishing mechanisms for recovering assets acquired through corrupt practices.

The review process was carried out by two experts from Saint Lucia and the Republic of Moldova, selected following a drawing of lots held by the Implementation Review Group. Representatives from the UNODC Secretariat were also present to support the review. The visit followed a desk review phase, which was based on a self-assessment checklist submitted by Guyana in 2023. The objective of the visit was to complement the desk review by gathering additional information, providing the reviewing States with a deeper understanding of Guyana’s anti-corruption framework, identifying any challenges, and highlighting best practices.

Over 60 national stakeholders participated in the review, including representatives from key state agencies, constitutional bodies, the private sector, and civil society organisations. Their contributions played an integral role in the review process.

As the lead agency for anti-corruption treaty reporting, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance coordinated this review cycle. The Ministry remains dedicated to ensuring that Guyana continues to meet its treaty obligations while progressively strengthening its anti-corruption framework.

This successful completion of the second review cycle underlines Guyana’s ongoing commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance in line with international standards.