For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/1050
5 June 2018
VIENNA, 5 June 2018 (UN Information Service) - The international community must step up responses to prevent corruption and organized crime in sports and major sporting events, said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Mr. Fedotov spoke at the opening of a conference on safeguarding sport from corruption, organized by UNODC, along with Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa.
"There is a growing understanding and appreciation that actions taken to safeguard sport from corruption in fact represent an investment, with clear economic and social benefits. This meeting is an opportunity to build on this momentum, share resources and good practices," he said.
"Together we can promote integrity, stop criminals from exploiting sport for illicit gain and harness the power of sport as a force for development and peace."
The Executive Director highlighted UNODC work to support efforts to tackle corruption in sport, and emphasized the importance of partnerships with the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and others to promote sports integrity worldwide.
He welcomed efforts by Member States, including the adoption of resolution 7/8 on Corruption in Sport, at the seventh session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in November.
The two-day conference brings together representatives from national law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption and sports organizations, and the private sector. Sessions address challenges including detecting corruption and enforcement, overcoming corruption in public procurement, addressing match-fixing and countering convergences with other crimes such as cybercrime, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
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For further information, please contact:
Sonya
Yee
Speechwriter and Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-4990
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-4990
Email: sonya.yee[at]un.org
