International Day Against Corruption is celebrated on 9 December 2015 (initiated by the United Nations). On 1 November 2003, the United Nations Convention against Corruption was adopted by the UN General Assembly at the High-Level Political Conference in Merida, Mexico.
The document obliges the states that signed it to declare bribery, embezzlement of budget funds and laundering of the proceeds of corruption a criminal offence. UN Convention against corruption 2003 was the first document of its kind. Russia was one of the first countries that signed the Convention.
Corruption is a complex social, economic and political phenomenon that somehow affects all countries, regardless of their level of development. It slows down the economic development of society and undermines the foundations of the state.
Many countries around the world hold demonstrations, meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events on the International Day Against Corruption.