A/RES/56/186
Underlining the fact that preventing and combating corrupt practices and
transfer of funds of illicit origin and returning such funds is an important element in
mobilizing resources for development,
Recognizing the importance of international cooperation and existing
international and national laws for combating corruption in international
commercial transactions,
Noting that the International Conference on Financing for Development will be
held at Monterrey, Mexico, from 18 to 22 March 2002,
Stressing the need to prevent and combat corrupt practices and the transfer of
funds of illicit origin and to return such funds so as to enable countries to design
and fund development projects, in accordance with their national priorities,
Noting that such corrupt practices include State funds being illegally acquired,
transferred and invested abroad,
Noting also that the problem of corrupt practices and the transfer of funds of
illicit origin, as well as the need to prevent the transfer of such funds, and to return
them, have social, economic and legal implications that require comprehensive,
holistic examination at the national and international levels,
1.
Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the prevention of
corrupt practices and illegal transfer of funds; 2
2.
Reiterates its condemnation of corruption, bribery, money-laundering and
the transfer of funds of illicit origin, and stresses its belief that those practices need
to be prevented and that funds of illicit origin transferred abroad need to be returned
after request and due process;
3.
Calls, while recognizing the importance of national measures, for
increased international cooperation, inter alia, through the United Nations system, in
support of efforts by Governments to prevent and address the transfer of funds of
illicit origin as well as to return such funds to the countries of origin;
4.
Requests the international community to support the efforts of all
countries to strengthen institutional capacity and regulatory frameworks for
preventing corruption, bribery, money-laundering and the transfer of funds of illicit
origin, as well as for returning such funds to the countries of origin;
5.
Invites the Economic and Social Council to finalize its consideration of
the draft terms of reference for the negotiation of a United Nations convention
against corruption,1 by which an ad hoc committee would be requested to consider,
inter alia, the elements of prevention and combating the transfer of funds of illicit
origin derived from acts of corruption, including the laundering and returning of
such funds, expeditiously;
6.
Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its
fifty-seventh session a report on the implementation of the present resolution, and
also requests the Secretary-General, upon the completion of the work of the ad hoc
committee referred to above, to submit recommendations on options for further
consideration by the Assembly regarding this question;
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2
2
A/56/403 and Add.1.