Solomon Islands have officially ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The instruments formalizing the Solomon Islands membership to UNCAC was made on the 8th of January 2012 by the Solomon Islands Embassy in New York.

Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka says that the ratification of UNCAC is a significant step taken by the government.

"This is a firm demonstration, not only to our people but also to the international community, that there is strong political will in this current government in the fight against corruption," said the Foreign Minister.

"The challenge for Solomon Islands is the adoption of an effective follow-up and monitoring mechanism. Effective technical assistance, as foreseen in the UNCAC, is therefore crucial for the successful implementation of the Convention."

The UNCAC is the most recent of a long series of developments in which experts and politicians have recognized the far-reaching impact of corruption and economic crimes, including money laundering that undermine the value of democracy, sustainable development, and rule of law.

The UNCAC was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on October 31, 2003, entering into force on December 14, 2005.