The eighth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) - - will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 16 to 20 December 2019. The Conference is expected to discuss a wide range of topics, including , the review of the implementation of the Convention by States, asset recovery, technical assistance and preparations for the special session of the General Assembly against corruption, to be held in 2021. This month we also marked International Anti-Corruption Day.
The latest UN report on elections examines the erosion of trust in elections in different countries around the world in recent years, with accusations of manipulation via the Internet and social media and reports of foreign interference in polls becoming increasingly common.
"Participation" — the theme for this year's International Day of Democracy — is an opportunity to recall that democracy is about people. Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation. Democracy is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights. True democracy is a 2-way street, built on a constant dialogue between civil society and the political class. This International Day is an opportunity to urge all governments to respect their citizens' right to active, substantive and meaningful participation in democracy.