| Overview : It is proven that corruption undermines human development and democracy and it is often the most vulnerable who suffer first. Corruption reduces access to public services by diverting public resources for private gain. There are gendered dimensions to corruption, as men and women have different experiences with and perceptions of corruption. For countries to effectively manage limited resources and contribute meaningfully to their sustainable development, there must be substantial reduction in corrupt practices. Based on the recognition of the above, Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels) calls for a substantial reduction in corruption and bribery in all their forms. Target 16.5 recognizes the importance of a reduction in public perception of corruption as well as the need for transparency in public budgeting and expenditure. Belize has been affected by a narrowing fiscal space and therefore the need for resources to be efficiently and equitably allocated is amplified. The Government of Belize has recognized the need for improved governance that is transparent and accountable to ensure that as resources become scarcer, that they are appropriately channeled. Likewise, civil society has been vocal about the need for increased measure to combat corruption and channel resources to the most vulnerable. As a result, and following intense, public, private sector and civil society pressure, Belize acceded to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in December 2016. The UNCAC Self-Assessment often takes place following the ratification of or accession, both to feed into the UNCAC Review Mechanism and to assist the government identifying compliance issues and subsequently prioritize and sequence its anti-corruption reforms. This project, proposes to employ UNDP’s ‘Going beyond the Minimum’ Approach to ensuring meaningfulness to the UNCAC ratification process. In addition, this project will draw on the technical expertise from both UNODC and UNDP in supporting the government in implementing the UNCAC. Recognizing the validating role of civil society, this project will work with the government in encouraging CSO, including women’s organization participation during the assessment, planning and capacity development processes. Systemic issues which range from weak legislative framework and enforcement, low capacity levels to implement and enforce anti-corruption measures and weak civil society pressure are all challenges which inhibit good governance and have the resultant effect of negatively affecting sustainable development. Recommendations emanating from the national self-assessment and commissioned surveys of Belize’s current anti-corruption systems and institutions highlights the mandatory strengthening of the institutional architecture for public administration and legislative reform. A core feature of this project is improvement in necessary and key national capacity for legislative drafting. As a result, Strengthening National Systems to Support United Nations Convention on Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation in Belize is seeking the support of an accredited University to provide a legislative drafting course in Belize. Combining Translating policy into Legislation and Legislative Drafting Training, this legislative drafting course should provide the tools and techniques to gain a full understanding of what it takes to be a complete, effective and efficient legislative drafter. During the training, exercises should provide the analytical skills required to convert policy into legislation and provide an understanding of the way legislation should be drafted and structured. The training should focus on the development of practical skills, and provide the knowledge to put into effect the techniques introduced in classroom seminars. | 
