Iran Statement at special Session of UNCAC

Statement by the Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran before Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption under Agenda Item 2: Consideration and adoption of the documents for the conduct of country reviews in the second phase of the Mechanism for the Review of Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (Vienna 6 November 2026)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Mr. President,

At the outset, allow me to thank you for steering our work, and to thank the Secretariat for its tireless support throughout the intersessional deliberations that brought us to this Special Session.

The adoption of the key review documents for the next phase of the Implementation Review Mechanism is an important milestone. The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged constructively and in good faith throughout this process.

In this regard, my delegation wishes to underline the following points:

First, the Mechanism must remain intergovernmental, efficient, non-intrusive, inclusive and impartial. It must also be non-adversarial and non-punitive. It shall not produce any form of ranking. The documents before us should be read and applied faithfully in this spirit.

Second, the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-intervention in the domestic affairs of States, enshrined in Article 4 of the Convention, are the cornerstone of our cooperation. The review process should take into account the diversity of legal systems and the level of development of each State party. Country visits, the engagement of other stakeholders and the publication of reports should remain at the discretion of the State under review.

Third, the next phase should be focused, practical and sustainable. It should avoid duplication, keep the burden on national authorities, particularly in developing countries, to a reasonable level, and stay within the agreed scope and resources. The Mechanism should be funded in a predictable manner that safeguards its intergovernmental character.

Fourth, technical assistance is the main added value of the Mechanism. The needs identified through the reviews must be followed by concrete, demand-driven and non-politicized assistance.

My delegation cannot fail to recall that unilateral coercive measures seriously undermine the very international cooperation that this Convention is meant to foster. Such measures affect mutual legal assistance and asset recovery. They impede access to technical assistance, capacity-building and training. Corruption cannot be fought effectively when the channels of cooperation themselves are deliberately blocked. We therefore call upon all States parties and the Secretariat to ensure that the implementation of the next phase is free from such impediments and that every State party is enabled to participate on an equal footing.

Finally, the return of proceeds of crime to their countries of origin, in accordance with Chapter V, remains a fundamental principle of the Convention and a key test of its effectiveness. It should receive due attention in the next phase.

The Islamic Republic of Iran remains fully committed to the Convention and to the success of the next phase of the Mechanism. We look forward to working with all delegations in a spirit of consensus and mutual respect.

I thank you, Mr. President.