Crime-related treaties
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime is a legally-binding instrument through which States
parties commit to taking a series of measures against transnational organized crime. These include the creation of domestic
offences to combat the problem, the adoption of new, sweeping frameworks for mutual legal assistance, extradition, law enforcement
cooperation and technical assistance, and training.
In its resolution 55/61, the General Assembly recognized that an effective international legal instrument against corruption,
independent of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime was desirable. The text of the Convention
was negotiated during seven sessions held between 21 January 2002 and 1 October 2003. The Convention was adopted by the General
Assembly on 31 October 2003.