Iran Statement at resumed 17 IRG of UNCAC: Agenda item 5

Statement of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the first resumed 17th session of the UNCAC Implementation Review Group (IRG): Agenda Item 5: Technical Assistance (31 Aug – 4 Sep 2026 Vienna)

In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

Madam Chair,

We all recognize that technical assistance is an indispensable element for the effective implementation of the Convention in a sustainable and coordinated manner, particularly for developing countries. I would like to thank the panelists for sharing their experiences and insights with us. Their presentations have shown us, in a very tangible way, that these approaches are not only possible, but achievable in practice. Now, the next step is to build on these experiences and make sure that such opportunities and successes can become a reality for everyone.

With the country reports for the first phase now being finalized, this is a timely opportunity to highlight these key points and reflect on our vision for the future:

First, while we commend the focus on identifying technical assistance priorities, we note that there often remains a significant gap between the needs identified by States and the actual support made available to them. We also observe with concern the limited accessibility of technical assistance, including material support and transfer of technology, for certain States Parties.

Second, we must draw the attention of this esteemed Group to a major barrier; the impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on the ability of affected States to access technical assistance. These measures, being contrary to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, have proven to have negative effects on our collective efforts to combat corruption.

As we have repeatedly highlighted, such measures seriously undermine the capacity of States to implement their anti-corruption obligations, erode the spirit of constructive cooperation, and weaken mutual trust among States Parties. They directly impede the ability of targeted States to receive the very technical assistance they require for effective implementation of the Convention.

Consequently, we encourage the Secretariat and all technical assistance providers to adopt a more equitable approach, one that is rooted exclusively in needs identified through genuine consultations with recipients. It is absolutely vital to ensure that technical assistance is provided solely based on the real needs of requesting States, and is never influenced by political considerations, external pressures, or discriminatory policies.

 

Thank you, Madam Chair.