Background of the Study
International legal instruments have increasingly become the cornerstone in the global fight against corruption. The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) represents one of the most comprehensive treaties designed to prevent corruption, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability (Bello, 2023). Since its adoption, UNCAC has influenced domestic legal frameworks and fostered international cooperation by providing guidelines for criminalization, asset recovery, and technical assistance. States that have ratified UNCAC are expected to align their national laws with international standards, enabling multilateral collaboration in investigations and prosecutions. Recent studies have demonstrated that corruption undermines economic development, destabilizes governments, and erodes public trust (Okafor, 2024). The Convention’s impact on corruption reduction is, however, subject to debate as varying degrees of political will and resource allocation result in uneven implementation across nations. The treaty not only facilitates cross-border information sharing but also encourages civil society engagement in monitoring corruption (Akinyele, 2025). As a binding international instrument, UNCAC has spurred legislative reforms, yet critics note that enforcement remains a challenge in many jurisdictions due to inadequate institutional capacities and inconsistent political commitment. This study evaluates the effectiveness of UNCAC in combating corruption by analyzing legal outcomes, case studies, and implementation challenges. It seeks to understand whether the treaty has succeeded in reducing corruption levels and promoting accountability, or if its impact is limited by domestic constraints.
Statement of the problem
Despite UNCAC’s ambitious framework, corruption remains pervasive in many countries. The gap between international standards and domestic enforcement often undermines the treaty’s objectives (Ibrahim, 2023). Variations in political commitment and resource allocation have led to inconsistent implementation, hindering effective cross-border cooperation. This study investigates the obstacles that impede UNCAC’s impact and examines whether the treaty’s legal provisions are translated into tangible anti-corruption measures. There is a critical need to assess if international legal instruments can truly reduce corruption or if enforcement challenges and domestic inertia limit their effectiveness (Eze, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To assess the effectiveness of UNCAC in reducing corruption.
To examine the challenges in implementing international anti-corruption legal frameworks.
To recommend measures to enhance the enforcement of UNCAC provisions.
Research questions
How effective is UNCAC in curbing corruption in ratifying countries?
What are the main challenges hindering the implementation of UNCAC?
What strategies can improve the treaty’s enforcement at the national level?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides critical insights into the role of international legal instruments in combating corruption. Its findings will inform policymakers, legal practitioners, and international organizations about the strengths and weaknesses of UNCAC, guiding future reforms and capacity-building initiatives. By identifying implementation challenges and proposing targeted recommendations, the study aims to enhance the global fight against corruption and promote stronger accountability frameworks (Bello, 2023; Okafor, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to evaluating UNCAC’s impact on combating corruption in selected jurisdictions. It focuses on legal and institutional frameworks, without examining broader socio-political factors that may influence corruption.
Definitions of terms
International Legal Instruments: Treaties and conventions that establish binding rules among states.
Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
UNCAC: The United Nations Convention against Corruption, an international treaty aimed at combating corruption globally.
Chapter One: Introduction
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