Corruption is a complex and ever-evolving phenomenon, manifesting in diverse forms and affecting different sectors, contexts and spheres of life. Given this multifaceted nature, successful efforts to combat corruption demand a deep understanding of its various forms and dimensions.
Therefore, one of UNODC’s goals is to unravel the complexity of corruption and help States understand corruption’s impact and consequences in specific areas in order to craft effective, comprehensive and nuanced strategies and solutions.
Anti-corruption agencies and commissions play a crucial role in combating corruption, particularly when equipped with the necessary mandates, independence, resources and personnel to perform their functions effectively.
Transparency of beneficial ownership is key to combating corruption by revealing the true individuals behind companies or assets, helping to prevent illicit activities such as money-laundering and tax evasion.
Corruption hinders the achievement of international commitments to reduce climate change. It can enable more greenhouse emissions, facilitate the reduced capacity of essential carbon sinks, such as oceans and forests, and undermine efforts to mitigate climate change.
Conflict-affected settings are often characterized by high levels of corruption and economic crime, which can drive conflict dynamics and exacerbate instability. This impedes the rule of law, as well as the efforts to build peace and foster sustainable development.
From illegal wildlife trade and forest loss to crimes in the fisheries sector and illegal mining, corruption is a key enabler of crimes affecting the environment. Criminals thrive on the existence of corruption as it enables them to commit, conceal and avoid conviction for their crimes.
It is increasingly recognized that there needs to be a whole-of-society approach to corruption prevention. Young people, educators and non-governmental organizations have an important role to play in building a culture that values integrity and rejects corruption.
Gendered social structures and power disparities can impact women’s choices in engaging in corruption and reporting it. Women’s empowerment is critical when creating more inclusive societies, leading to reduced corruption.
Corruption presents a significant danger to public health, undermining the effectiveness, quality and accessibility of health-care services while driving up costs. It deprives communities of essential services, vital products and resources, and impedes individuals' right to health care.
Corruption in international investment has a long-lasting impact on the economy, environment and society. It negatively affects the attraction and retention of foreign investments, undermines fair competition, discourages investment and diminishes its quality.
Integrity is among the core values expected of every judiciary and judge - essential in successfully combatting corruption. It is through integrity that the judicial system can safeguard human rights and the rule of law and ensure equal treatment for everyone in society.
Anti-corruption strategies and risk management methodologies help enable coordinated and effective efforts that enhance accountability, mitigate risks and promote confidence in public institutions.
Corruption serves as an enabler for various forms of organized crime, facilitating their execution and allowing them to remain undetected. Corruption exacerbates the harms of organized crime by fostering the infiltration of crime in the countries' economic and social fabric.
National parliaments and legislative bodies play a key role in the implementation of UNCAC, through legislation, oversight and promoting transparency and accountability to prevent and combat corruption at all levels.
Corruption in the private sector undermines economic development, market competition, consumer welfare and equitable opportunities. It also constitutes a business risk and can lead to significant costs at the organizational level.
Public procurement, especially large-scale, is highly vulnerable to corruption, which significantly harms government spending, undermines economic development and erodes public trust.
Corruption is a complex and multifaceted threat to the integrity of sport and its social and economic benefits. Manifestations of corruption in sport include fraud, money-laundering, abuse of authority, match-fixing and illegal betting.
While traditionally not considered central entities in the anti-corruption world, supreme audit institutions and their role in preventing and countering corruption have been increasingly recognized.
The protection of whistle-blowers and reporting persons is frequently referred to as one of the most effective tools to prevent, detect and ultimately prosecute corruption cases. A robust reporting and protection system is a cornerstone of the fight against corruption.
