an Eldis Resource
Enforcement of the OECD convention on combating bribery of foreign public officials
Is bribery of foreign public officials on the increase?
Authors:
F. Heimann; G. Dell
Publisher:
Transparency International , 2007
This report examines the enforcement performance of 34 of the 37 countries that have ratified the Organisaion of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Bribery Convention. It is the third progress report on the enforcement of the OECD Convention on combating bribery of foreign public officials which is intended to provide an annual assessment of government enforcement.
The report finds that foreign bribery prosecutions have been brought in 16 out of 34 countries. This includes the 14 countries with significant enforcement listed in the overview plus Canada and Japan, which each has one minor prosecution.
Key recommendations put forward include:
- it is essential to continue a vigorous monitoring programme, including country visits, until there is active enforcement by all signatories.
- a much higher level of enforcement will be needed before the critical criterion for success (widespread recognition by international business that foreign bribery is no longer acceptable will be achieved)
- the OECD must begin to utilise stronger measures to ensure compliance by governments that have not shown the political will to prosecute foreign bribery
- prompt action by the UK government, and if necessary by OECD, is required to overcome the dangerous precedent effects of the Al Yamamah termination.
