16 June 2023

    The delegation, led by H.E. Dr. Htay Aung, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Myanmar, attended the 14th session of the Implementation Review Group and the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Prevention, which took place from June 12th to June 16th, 2023, via online platforms.

    On the second day, Chairman Dr. Htay Aung discussed, “Successive governments in Myanmar have consistently focused on anti-corruption activities, aligning with international standards. In order to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against corruption, Myanmar signed the UNCAC in 2005 and ratified it on December 20th, 2012. As a full-fledged member of the UNCAC, Myanmar actively participates in the UNCAC Review Mechanisms and attends UNCAC meetings. During the first cycle of the UNCAC implementation review mechanism, Myanmar successfully carried out the necessary steps and amended the anti-corruption law in accordance with the recommendations outlined in the Country Review Report on Myanmar’s implementations. We also recognize the recommendations of the Second Cycle and are currently reviewing our activities.”

    On the third day, Chairman Dr. Htay Aung delivered a discussion titled “Interlinkage between preventive and law enforcement approaches.” During his presentation, he highlighted the cooperation between the Commission and relevant ministries and institutions in the areas of corruption prevention, awareness raising, and investigation. To strengthen prevention efforts, Corruption Prevention Units (CPUs) have been established in Union Ministries, Organizations, as well as in the Regional and State Governments. Furthermore, the Commission issued a joint declaration on anti-corruption in collaboration with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focusing on addressing corruption within the private sector. Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Strategic Plan (2022-2025) has been formulated and has been successfully implemented on a yearly basis.

    On June 14, 2023, the Chairman provided an overview of Myanmar’s Anti-Corruption Activities. During his presentation, he emphasized the significance of a robust legal framework in effectively combating corruption. To this end, the Commission is currently reviewing the Anti-Corruption Law with the aim of aligning it with international standards and strengthening its effectiveness against corruption. In terms of evaluating anti-corruption initiatives, regular assessments of their work are conducted, and action plans are formulated on an annual basis, building upon the results from the previous year.

    In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Commission has published Integrity Awareness lessons and is currently implementing the Edutainment Programme in Basic Education Schools. Additionally, plans are underway to organize a “Student Conversation Session,” which aims to engage young individuals in the fight against corruption.

    The Commission has also signed bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with regional and international anti-corruption agencies, with an upcoming MOU signing with the Russian Federation. Furthermore, there is a strong commitment to collaborate with UNCAC member countries in the field of corruption prevention.

    In the meeting, representatives from UNCAC member countries and experts engaged in discussions regarding various aspects of UNCAC implementation. The topics covered included best practices, lessons learned, corruption prevention, the significance of a strong legal framework, the role of supreme audit institutions, strategies to combat corruption, the importance of anti-corruption policies, monitoring and evaluation methods, challenges faced, and financial considerations.

    The delegation, led by H.E. Dr. Htay Aung, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, included Commissioner U Than Soe, U Maung Maung Tint, U Win Ti, and Dr. Htun Htun Oo. They participated in the meeting remotely. Futhermore, two delegations led by Ambassador U Minn Thein, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Austria, attended the meeting in person.