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,
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See A/56/402-E/2001/105.