The resolution delivered last Tuesday by Carlo Nordio, Minister of Justice and head of the Italian government delegation, was overwhelmingly approved at the 10th United Nations Conference Against Corruption, which recently concluded in Atlanta. Italy and Mexico presented it, and it was officially supported by Australia, Brazil, Chile, Honduras, Japan, Morocco, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Burkina Faso, Peru, Ecuador, the United States, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, and the European Union on behalf of the 27 member countries. The resolution encourages States Parties to increase international collaboration in the fight against corruption including organized crime, beginning with a thorough understanding of these phenomena. This is the first resolution of the UNCAC Convention Conference of States Parties devoted to the problem of the links between corruption and organized crime. Among the resolution's principal concerns, States Parties are urged to improve international cooperation - particularly mutual legal aid and extradition - in combating these criminal phenomena, recognizing their specific risk. They are also encouraged to enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements that will facilitate collaboration procedures, as well as to develop internal investigative coordination structures. The resolution's demand on states to implement robust procedures for the confiscation of criminal proceeds, including equivalents, as well as better protection measures for witnesses and victims who report, modeled after Italian legislation, is critical. Finally, the resolution emphasizes the importance of civil society, academics, and the media in raising awareness of these criminal dynamics and so aiding in their combat.
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