This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from the European Commission. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
In relation to possible EU support to the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, what are the respective features and advantages of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Convention against Corruption?
CONTENT
1. Overview of the main characteristics of the UN and OAS conventions
2. A detailed assessment of common features and differences
3. References
CAVEAT
Given the timeframe and the scope of Helpdesk services, this answer should not be considered as a comprehensive comparison of the two conventions.
SUMMARY
The UNCAC and the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (OAS Convention) are respectively the most far-reaching and the first international legal instruments to combat corruption. They are equally strategic and are largely similar in their purpose and thematic coverage.
The UNCAC is a more detailed and more comprehensive document. It covers some topics not contained in the OAS Convention, such as prevention of money laundering and a number of the offences described, and establishes extensive standards regarding asset recovery.
Both conventions are equipped with a respective implementation review mechanism. Both of these start with a self-assessment which is then reviewed by government-nominated experts. The OAS Convention review mechanism is, however, more open, transparent and participatory.
Authors
Sofia Wickberg, Transparency International, [email protected]Reviewers
Marie Chêne, Transparency International, Gillian Dell, Transparency International, Adam Foldes, Transparency InternationalDate
06/11/2013
