An important international gathering on the role of civil society organizations in the return of assets stolen from countries in the Arab World will begin tomorrow (3rd September) in London.
The two day workshop entitled ‘The Role of Civil Society in Asset Recovery’ is taking place under the auspices of the Arab Forum on Asset Recovery. The event has been organized by the UK Government and the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) of the World Bank and UN Office on Drugs and Crime, as part of international efforts to fight corruption and to return the assets looted from the Arab countries in transition, by previous regimes.
This Special Session of the Arab Forum brings together representatives of CSOs, governments, and a range of international organizations from the Arab World, Europe, the US, and elsewhere. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement, dialogue and the sharing of knowledge to advance efforts in the location and return of assets stolen to the Arab World.
The Arab Forum was established in the wake of the Arab Spring as asset recovery became a crucial concern for citizens within the Arab World, and globally. The First Arab Forum on Asset Recovery which took place in Doha in September 2012 identified the challenges within the region as well as in the large international financial centers for the return of stolen assets.
In order to continue the work of the Arab Forum, two Special Sessions have already taken place this year to address particular technical aspects of the asset recovery process and encourage deeper engagement among those involved. The Special Sessions addressed ways to improve domestic cooperation, and also looked at best practices in carrying out financial investigations. The third Special Session which is being hosted by the UK Government in its role as the G8 Presidency, aims to engage civil society organizations both in the Arab world as well as in the financial centers, on the roles they can play to support the return of stolen assets.
According to Jean Pesme, the coordinator of StAR, the Special Session marks an important milestone in coordinating international efforts, “this gathering illustrates not only the continued commitment by the members of the Arab Forum to the asset recovery process. It also strengthens efforts for coordination between civil society and others, which StAR believes is essential to establish the durable conditions and institutions in going after stolen assets.”
In addition, Special Session III will work towards the compilation of a CSO guide on Asset Recovery, as a practical tool for future use.
Following Special Session III, the Arab Forum will hold a major intergovernmental meeting planned for the end of October, in the Arab World. Senior Government officials from the G8, major financial centers and the region will attend in order to assess the progress of asset recovery and to chart a course for its future development.
The Arab Forum on Asset Recovery
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 (currently under the Presidency of the UK), the Deauville Partnership, countries throughout the Arab World, and StAR.
StAR
The Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) is a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that supports international efforts to end safe havens for corrupt funds. StAR works with developing countries and financial centers to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of corruption and to facilitate more systematic and timely return of stolen assets.
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 in Deauville, France in May 2011 to support countries in the Arab world engaged in transitions toward “free, democratic and tolerant societies.”
The G8 ‘Action Plan on Asset Recovery’
The G8 Action Plan on Asset Recovery, adopted in May 2012 committed the G8 to a comprehensive list of actions to promote cooperation and case assistance, capacity building efforts and technical assistance, for Arab countries in transition in recovering assets diverted by past regimes.
StAR CONTACT:
Richard Miron: rmiron@worldbank.org