coverage/conventions explained/international conventions/global priorities

What activities and behaviours are targeted by anti-corruption conventions?

The conventions cover a range of corrupt practices, often differing in their definitions and scope. Most target the behaviour of public officials, but some also focus on private sector employees. Apart ´from corruption itself, some instruments also target the various associated activities that serve to promote, facilitate or conceal corrupt acts. The broadest coverage is achieved by the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), but many of its elements are also present in other conventions as well.

Corruption behaviours addressed by conventions include:

Bribery of national, foreign or international organisations’ public officials
Embezzlement, misappropriation and other diversion of property by public officials
Nepotism and favouritism in public sector recruitment and promotion
Illicit enrichment (significant increase in assets of a public official that cannot be reasonably explained in relation to their lawful income)
Trading in influence, abuse of functions
Bribery of private sector decision-makers
Embezzlement by private sector employees

Associated behaviours addressed by conventions include:

Laundering proceeds of corruption
Concealment or continued retention of the proceeds of crime
Aiding and abetting of corruption
Obstruction of justice

For definitions of corruption activities above, see our glossary section.