United Nations A/RES/56/186 General Assembly Distr.: General 31 January 2002 Fifty-sixth session Agenda item 96 (a) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [on the report of the Second Committee (A/56/559)] 56/186. Preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of funds of illicit origin and returning such funds to the countries of origin The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 54/205 of 22 December 1999 on the prevention of corrupt practices and illegal transfer of funds, 55/61 of 4 December 2000 on an effective international legal instrument against corruption and 55/188 of 20 December 2000 on preventing and combating corrupt practices and illegal transfer of funds and repatriation of such funds to the countries of origin, as well as the report of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Open-Ended Expert Group to Prepare Draft Terms of Reference for the Negotiation of an International Legal Instrument against Corruption, 1 which will be considered by the Economic and Social Council at its next session, Concerned about the seriousness of problems posed by corrupt practices and transfer of funds of illicit origin, which may endanger the stability and security of societies, undermine the values of democracy and morality and jeopardize social, economic and political development, Recognizing the need to create an enabling environment for business at the national and international levels in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development, taking into account the development priorities of Governments, Recognizing also the responsibilities of Governments to adopt policies at the national and international levels aimed at preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of funds of illicit origin and returning such funds to the countries of origin, Mindful of the catalytic role of the United Nations system in facilitating the constructive participation and orderly interaction of the private sector in the development process by embracing universal principles and norms, such as honesty, transparency and accountability, _______________ 1 01 49201 See A/56/402-E/2001/105.

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