UN Convention against Corruption

Conventions and Treaties

The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was adopted by the General Assembly in October 2003 and provides a list of standards and measures to strengthen legal and regulatory regimes in the prevention and combat of corruption.

Chapter III of the Convention establishes acts that should be criminalised, including bribery of national and foreign public officials and officials of international organisations. Other acts that are criminalised include the misappropriation of property in the public or private sector, trading in influence, abuse of functions, illicit enrichment, bribery in the private sector, money laundering, concealment, and obstruction of justice. Chapter IV outlines international cooperation in addressing cross-border corruption and obliges state parties to assist each other in legal assistance requests, including investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings. Chapter VI focuses on technical assistance and information exchange and encourages state parties to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries when needed, while also developing training programs to prevent corruption.

In sum, the convention obliges states to adopt preventative and punitive measures to combat corruption in both public and private sectors.