Post-conflict reconstruction, legitimacy and anti-corruption commissions

This chapter traces the international development of anti-corruption commissions (ACCs) with a focus on post-conflict and fragile states. It explores the extent to which ACCs have become integral actors in post-conflict reconstruction settings. The chapter argues that ACCs have the potential to be effective in the fight against corruption. It notes that international donors and the diplomatic community have identified the reduction of corruption as a priority for rebuilding legitimacy in post-conflict and fragile states. Among the factors motivating leaders of fragile states to establish ACCs is the signing of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). With signatories from 140 countries, the UNCAC asks policymakers to comply with Article 6, Section 1 of the Convention which states: ‘Each State Party shall, in accordance with the fundamental principles of its legal system, ensure the existence of a body or bodies, as appropriate, that prevent corruption.’ ¹ In many countries, the establishment of ACCs, some with mandates to investigate malfeasance and others with a focus on corruption prevention, followed the ratification of UNCAC. However, ACCs have a mixed record of achievements, even though they have come to be seen as one of the key instruments for reducing corruption in developing countries.