We need to make sure that governments meet the terms of anti-corruption conventions. The best way is for countries to oversee each other’s progress. This means they need effective monitoring systems. But what do these look like? Good systems are impartial, transparent and cost-effective. The best way to achieve them is to involve civil society. Our independent input brings credibility to a monitoring process.

To help countries meet anti-corruption requirements, we can help check how well a government is doing. We should highlight improvements and gaps. This gives governments precious feedback on their performance. Then we should work with them to set deadlines for any reforms still needed. Follow-up reviews will help make sure these reforms take place. Especially if we make the results public.

To make monitoring easier, we’re promoting an international review system for the UN convention. At its heart is a global coalition of more than 240 organisations from more than 100 countries. Our oversight gives governments ongoing incentives to improve. Go back to the problem.