Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (16 June 2017): Pacific-wide, Vanuatu, PNG, Nauru, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands

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These updates are provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Anti-Corruption Project for Southeast Asia, and the joint UNODC - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, with support of the Australian Government.

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Pacific investigators, prosecutors enhance ability to fight corruption.  Investigators, prosecutors and law enforcement officials from across the South Pacific region convened in Nadi, Fiji, for a 3-day meeting organised by the United Nation's Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) to discuss challenges encountered when investigating and prosecuting corruption in the Pacific.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=404527

VANUATU:
Vanuatu in hot water over delay in anti-money laundering bills.  MPs in Vanuatu have just a few days left to pass thirteen money bills or risk further international sanctions for failing to implement measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/pacific-beat/2017-06-14/vanuatu-in-hot-water-over-delay-in-anti-money/8616186

PNG:
Illegal 'double endorsements' worry PNG's Electoral Commission.  There's confusion ahead of PNG's elections after the Electoral Commission published two different candidate lists.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/pacific-beat/2017-06-09/illegal-double-endorsements-worry-pngs-electoral/8606082

NAURU:
Nauru sorting its audit delays.  The Nauru government has blamed long delays for completed public audits on a lack of qualified staff.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/332792/nauru-sorting-its-audit-delays

COOK ISLANDS:
Homecoming for Cook Islands ex-MP free from jail
The former Cook Islands MP, Teina Bishop, has been released from prison and returned to home island of Aitutaki with great fanfare.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/332655/homecoming-for-cook-islands-ex-mp-free-from-jail
Bishop served a six-month term after he was convicted of obtaining a bribe when he was

SOLOMON ISLANDS:
Solomons' govt launches new mining policy.  The Solomon Islands' government says its new National Minerals Policy ensures resource owners have more say in development of their mineral resources.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/332987/solomons-govt-launches-new-mining-policy

For more information about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact:
Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org
Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org
Luisa Senibulu, Governance Programme Associate, UNDP/UNODC, luisa.senibulu@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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