Global Judicial Integrity Network Updates Special Edition 'Views' Review | Page 17

VIEWS
Historical new questions related to judicial integrity and
the prevention of corruption.
Internal norms in different states and several
relevant international instruments establish
different ranges of obligations to confront
corruption. However, while judicial systems
are themselves the target of corruption and
organized crime, it is precisely within judicial
systems that societies have their main
instrument to prevent and fight corruption. This is an important step for the creation of a
common language and a common perspective
amongst different domains of the United
Nations. In my capacity as Special Rapporteur,
I have already expressed my full disposal
to collaborate in the implementation of this
programme.
Corruption
and
the
Responsibility of Justice
Article 11 of the United Nations Convention
against Corruption — a fundamental
international treaty — emphasizes the decisive
role of the judicial branch in the fight against
corruption, and establishes that in order to
carry out this role effectively, the judicial
branch itself must be free of corruption, and
that its members must act with integrity.
Substantive guidelines on matters of internal
organization, which are fundamental to prevent
and confront corruption, have been included in
the Convention.
There are core obligations in the Treaty on
International Cooperation between Judicial
and Prosecutorial Bodies of Sovereign States
(Chapter IV) which are unprecedented in a
multilateral treaty. For example, it contains
substantive and operational obligations in
extradition matters, the transfer of convicted
persons and judicial assistance, referral of
criminal proceedings from one country to
another, joint investigations and, in general,
clear substantive obligations in matters of
cooperation for compliance with the law.
Judicial Integrity and the Fight against
Corruption
In 2016, the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime launched a global programme to
promote a culture of lawfulness. It includes
the creation of the Global Judicial Integrity
Network to share best practices and lessons
learned on the fundamental challenges and
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United Nations, A/72/140. 35 July 2017
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