In recent years, civil society has come together to discuss how asset recovery can be more effective, more transparent, more accountable and more participatory. While the United Nation Convention Against Corruption contains some guidance, alongside several international principles that have been developed, such as the GFAR principles, these do not provide detailed idea for key asset recovery topics. Without more detailed ideas, there is the risk that jurisdictions fail to consider important elements when establishing law, policy and procedure around asset recovery and that civil society actors have little to draw on in supporting effective reform.
As a response, we have worked with partners from across out networks to develop and fine tune four sets of high level principles covering important aspects of asset recovery. These principles are designed to be a basis for more detailed work at the national level and are drawn from both international standards and national-level experience.
Civil Society Principles
Asset Management
The Civil Society Principles for the Accountable, Transparent, and Participatory Management of Frozen and Recovered Assets cover eight areas essential to effective asset management.
Asset Return
The Civil Society Principles for Accountable Asset Return have been developed to be minimum, framework standards for the accountable and transparent return of public assets stolen through corruption and hidden overseas.
Sanctions and asset recovery
The Civil Society Principles on the Use of Anti-Corruption Sanctions as a Tool for Asset Recovery cover eight important considerations when adopting and using anti-corruption sanctions.
Victims and asset recovery
The Civil Society Principles on the Role of Victims in Asset Recovery cover seven important considerations in centering victims within the asset recovery process.