The Arab Forum on Asset Recovery is a stand-alone institution fostering asset recovery efforts for Arab Countries in Transition. It works as a platform bringing together the G8, the Deauville Partnership , and countries in the Arab World in cooperation for the return of stolen assets. 

The Forum identifies the needs of countries embarking upon the asset recovery process, provides a forum for regional training and discussion of best practices on cases, and raises awareness locally and internationally of the most effective measures for asset recovery.

The first meeting of the Arab Forum on Asset Recovery - co-organized by the State of Qatar and the United States Presidency of the G8, with technical support from the StAR Initiative - was held in Doha, Qatar in September 2012. It was attended by more than 200 senior officials, including Attorney-Generals, Ministers of Justice, policy makers, judicial officers, prosecutors, investigators, and financial intelligence analysts, as well as other expert practitioners from over 25 countries. The meeting brought together - for the first time - key individuals, institutions and governments, for an open discussion on the challenges and expectations related to asset recovery in the Arab World. It also provided a much needed platform for country delegations to engage bilaterally on the issues, and establish beneficial contacts. 

BACKGROUND

The Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition

The Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition is an international effort launched by the G-8 at the Leaders Meeting in Deauville, France in May 2011 to support countries in the Arab World engaged in transitions toward “free, democratic and tolerant societies.”

The Action Plan on Asset Recovery

At Camp David, on the 21 May 2012, the G8 adopted its 'Action Plan on Asset Recovery' within the overall framework of the Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition. In the plan, G8 countries committed to a comprehensive list of actions aimed to promote cooperation, capacity building efforts and technical assistance in support of the efforts of Arab countries in transition in recovering assets diverted by past regimes. G8 countries also agreed, 'to assist in the launch of an Arab Forum on Asset Recovery, which will serve in part as a coordinating mechanism on this issue, through periodic meetings and other activities, and with the support and involvement of the regional partners.'
See further information on the Action Plan at: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/190483.htm

Technical Assistance by StAR

The Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) - a joint program of The World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – is a key partner in the Asset Recovery Action Plan and provides support to the Arab Forum initiative. StAR has been actively engaged in assisting Arab countries in transition, including Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, in seeking the return of assets from several foreign jurisdictions, including G8 members. StAR has assisted these countries with developing strategies, improving interagency coordination, engaging in international cooperation and in facilitating their efforts to recover stolen assets. StAR is in dialogue with other countries in the Region regarding similar assistance.