UN Convention Against Corruption

The convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 58/4 on October 31, 2003. It was opened for signature in Mérida, Mexico, in December of that year. The treaty officially entered into force on December 14, 2005, once the necessary number of ratifications was reached.

Yes, the United States is a party to the convention, having signed it in 2003 and ratified it on October 30, 2006. However, U.S. ratification came with several declarations and reservations regarding its sovereignty and constitutional limits. The convention currently boasts nearly 190 state parties.

The treaty legally requires countries to criminalize a wide range of corrupt activities, including bribery of national and foreign public officials. It also addresses the embezzlement of public funds, obstruction of justice, and the laundering of the proceeds of crime. Furthermore, it mandates the recovery and return of stolen assets to victim countries.

No, the UN Convention Against Corruption does not establish an international court to prosecute individuals. Instead, it is a framework treaty that requires member states to pass domestic laws criminalizing the specified acts. It focuses heavily on international cooperation, mutual legal assistance, and extradition treaties between nations to fight transnational corruption.