Civil Law Convention on Corruption

General Information

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What is it about?

The present Convention presents the first attempt to define common international rules in the field of civil law and corruption. It requires Member States to provide for effective remedies within their domestic law for persons who have suffered damage as a result of acts of corruption, to enable them to defend their rights and interests, including the possibility of obtaining compensation for damage. The Convention provides for measures to be taken at national level, international co-operation, monitoring of implementation and final clauses. In ratifying the Convention, Member States undertake to incorporate its principles and rules into their domestic law, taking into account their own particular circumstances. The Convention deals with the following issues: - compensation for damage liability, including State liability for acts of corruption committed by public officials; - contributory negligence: reduction or disallowance of compensation, depending on the circumstances; - validity of contracts; - protection of employees who report corruption; - clarity and accuracy of accounts and audits; - acquisition of evidence; - court orders to preserve the assets necessary for the execution of the final judgment and for the maintenance of the status quo pending resolution of the points at issue; - international co-operation. The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) will monitor commitments entered into under the Convention by the States Party.

Why is it relevant?

The present Convention is one of several instruments combating economic crime.

Additional Information

The Convention is open for accession by both, the member States of the Council of Europe and the non-member States.

Related treaties

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