For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/895
14 December 2015
VIENNA, 14 December (UN Information Service) - Ten years ago today, the UN Convention against Corruption - UNCAC - entered into force, giving the world its first binding international agreement, and through this, an instrument to address a crime that does so much damage to people and societies.
On the 10th anniversary of this event, we now have near universal ratification with 178 parties having joined the convention. Together, these parties have sent a clear message of global rejection of bribery and corruption.
The Convention has put bribery and corruption under the spotlight and is creating a broad consensus that they are no longer acceptable. Proof for this can be seen in the inclusion of the target to fight bribery and corruption in Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
A peer review mechanism that brings countries together to review their compliance with the Convention has also surpassed expectations. Since its launch in 2009, the Implementation Review Mechanism has proven a powerful catalyst for anti-corruption reforms, dialogue and cooperation, both domestically and internationally. It has helped create a global picture of trends, challenges and good practices in the Convention's implementation.
The Review Mechanism is now entering its second cycle. It will emphasize corruption prevention and asset recovery and assist countries, especially developing countries, to create the necessary legal, institutional and operational capacity to recover stolen assets.
Successive Conferences of States Parties have also reinforced the commitment of countries, businesses, academia and civil society to confront corruption. The sixth session, held in St. Petersburg this year, resulted in successes in the areas of corruption prevention, asset recovery, public-private partnerships and civil society involvement, among others.
On UNCAC's 10th anniversary, the world recognises the importance of eliminating corruption, but much remains to be done. If we are to rid the world of corruption, we need concerted action by everyone. We cannot afford to stop now.
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For further information please contact:
David
Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Phone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
