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TIPS Newsletter | Dec 2025 - TI: Civic Space Left Out of UNCAC Reviews

Dear TIPS member,


In December 2025, TI published ‘Missing in Action’, examining how the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) review process fails to assess whether civil society can safely and meaningfully participate in anti-corruption efforts. While UNCAC explicitly recognizes the role of civil society, the report finds that its Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM) largely overlooks the real-world conditions—known as civic space—needed for this participation to be effective.


Based on a review of 115 country assessments, the report reveals that 43% received no recommendations on Article 13, which covers the participation of society, including several countries where civic space is effectively closed. Where recommendations were issued, 73% were vague and generic, often restating UNCAC language rather than identifying concrete, country-specific reforms. As a result, the reviews present an overly positive picture that fails to reflect attacks, legal restrictions, intimidation, and impunity faced by anti-corruption activists and journalists.


Comparing UNCAC reviews with findings from UN human rights bodies, TI identified clear discrepancies in 86% of cases, highlighting a major gap between formal assessments and realities on the ground. The report calls for UNCAC reviews to assess implementation in practice, systematically draw on UN human rights findings, strengthen guidance for reviewers, and ensure transparency and meaningful civil society participation throughout the review process. Ultimately, Missing in Action argues that without protecting civic space, UNCAC risks falling short of its own objectives—and weakening global efforts to fight corruption.


Please see below the TIPS Newsletter for December 2025. We look forward to seeing you soon.


 - the TIPS team


1. Upcoming Events (register on our Events page)


TIPS | Human Rights in Focus: International Justice and Corporate Responsibility | 28 Jan 2026 | 6.30-9pm GMT | London


TL4 | Insolvency Without Borders - Enforcement Strategies in Fraud and Asset Recovery and Reputational Risk | 19 Jan 2026 | 1-2pm GMT | Virtual


TL4 | Sovereign & States Disputes and Enforcement Summit 2026 | 5-6 Feb 2026 | London


TL4 | 3rd Annual Anti-Bribery & Corruption Forum | 21 April 2026 | London



2. Recent Events


TIPS | Christmas Social | London


On 9 December, the TIPS Network hosted its inaugural festive social to mark another successful year of supporting and amplifying the work of TIPS UK.


TIPS Co-Chair, James Ford reflected on the Network’s growth to nearly 800 members over its eight years, the continued strength of its events and mentorship programme in 2025, and a renewed call to build partnerships that deliver meaningful anti-corruption impact.


We thank Andrew Reeves and the team at Norton Rose Fulbright for kindly hosting this event.



3. Jobs Board


Corporate Intelligence Manager, Investigations & Compliance, Ernst & Young, London. See here.


Sr. Compliance Manager, Anti-Corruption, McKinsey & Company, London. See here.


4. Items of Interest


TI publications

  • How far does the Anti-Corruption Strategy really go on political integrity? See here.

  • UK Anti-Corruption Strategy: Defence deep dive.  See here.

  • Foreign interference review welcome but donation caps only way to break the stranglehold of big money over British politics.  See here.

  • From strategy to action: What the UK's new anti-corruption plan gets right (and where it falls short). See here.

  • UK Anti-Corruption Strategy: Ambitious plan undermined by political integrity gaps. See here.


TI blogs

  • Addressing Sexual Corruption in Rwanda’s Higher Education Institutions. See here.


Other items

  • Ronaldo, FIFA and the Challenge of Integrity. See here.

  • Cocaine, corruption and colonialism: the crisis in the British Virgin Islands. See here.

  • UK Election Security is Threatened by Political Money Laundering via Cryptocurrency. See here.

  • Targeting the Untouchables: The UK’s asset recovery efforts since the introduction of the Criminal Finances Act 2017. See here.

5. One Minute Reads


New One Minute Reads have been uploaded to the TIPS website. Please do click the link to read more – perfect for your morning/evening WFH coffee break!



6. Focus on...


Zachary Rothstein

Head of Growth, Xapien | TIPS Committee Member


Why did you get involved with the TIPS network?


I got involved in TIPS because I have spent most of my career working in the anti-corruption field and wanted to give back to the community that has shaped my professional journey. TIPS stood out as a space for open exchange, practical insight, collective learning and advancing shared understanding.


Please describe your experience as part of the TIPS Network.

 

I have recently joined the TIPS Managing Committee and have been gaining a deeper understanding of the excellent work already underway and the Committee’s priorities. I have been impressed by the strength of existing initiatives and the collaborative spirit of the group. I am excited to contribute actively, supporting events and leveraging my technology background to help foster and develop partnerships further.


Connect with Zachary on LinkedIn.

 
 
 

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