Anti-Corruption framework and institutions

While there are anti-corruption frameworks at international, regional and national level aimed at tackling corruption, the United Nations Convention against Corruption is the only legally binding global anti-corruption framework. In this section, national legal frameworks are assessed against countries' obligations to criminalise corrupt behaviour as part of the Convention.

Anti-corruption institutions play an important role in enforcement, prevention and investigation of corruption. An effective anti-corruption institution adds muscle to the fight against corruption – when it is independent of the government, sufficiently resourced and empowered to investigate allegations, it has the potential to hold even the most powerful people in society to account.

However, even a strong specialised anti-corruption body is insufficient on its own. A robust institutional framework to tackle corruption relies on effective audit institutions, an independent judiciary, and robust law enforcement, as well as good coordination between these bodies.