09/12/2003

UK joins UN's stand against global corruption

The UK will today join 30 other countries in signing the UN Convention against corruption, and so progress international cooperation in the fight against global corruption.

By setting minimum standards and encouraging close co-operation between nations, the Convention is designed to "combat corruption" more effectively at an international level.

The Convention includes measures on criminalisation of corruption and related crimes and emphasises the importance of prevention through good governance, strong internal procedures and participation of society, the Home Office said.

It also includes provisions to tackle money laundering and to return stolen assets.

Representing the UK Government at the signing ceremony in Mexico, Home Office Minister, Baroness Scotland said: "Corruption knows no boundaries. It erodes democracy, the economy and the effectiveness of institutions. It benefits only the guilty and allows poverty to thrive.

"Whilst each and every country can and must take steps to tackle corruption domestically, we must reinforce our efforts by joining together. The Convention will enable us to do this - by establishing standards that we can all adhere to and by fostering close co- operation."

The government will also ratify the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention against Corruption, which requires parties to criminalise a wide range of offences related to corruption and provides for enhanced international co-operation.

(gmcg)

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