| UN Convention against Corruption applies to HK |
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The Central People's Government (CPG) has ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), a government spokesman said today (February 14). The convention came into force for China on February 12, and is applicable to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The UNCAC introduces a comprehensive set of measures and rules that members can apply to strengthen regulatory regimes to fight corruption. It calls for preventive measures and criminalisation of corruption in both public and private sectors. It also introduces the fundamental principle - and a framework - for stronger co-operation between states to prevent corruption. The CPG has consulted the HKSAR in accordance with Article 153 of the Basic Law and decided to apply the convention to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government is committed to the fight against corruption and gives top priority to international co-operation in anti-corruption measures. Upon the application of the UNCAC to the HKSAR, most of its requirements can be fulfilled by existing legislation and administrative measures. Hong Kong will continue to take all necessary measures to implement the convention. Details of the convention can be found on the United Nations' website: (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/crime_convention_corruption.html). Ends/Tuesday, February 14, 2006 |