On International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December, the International Bar Association (IBA) reaffirms the central role of the legal profession in combating corruption, strengthening public trust and safeguarding institutions at a time when standards for global integrity are under mounting pressure.

Around the world, corruption continues to erode democratic governance, hinder economic development and weaken the rule of law. Persistent threats – including illicit financial flows, shrinking civic space, opaque political financing and the misuse of emerging technologies – underscore the need for coordinated action across governments, professions and civil society. Against this backdrop, the IBA emphasises that lawyers, bar associations and justice institutions remain essential in preventing abuses of power, defending professional independence and ensuring accountability.

A longstanding commitment to integrity and global cooperation

The IBA has prioritised anti-corruption work for many years, providing practical support, expert guidance and sustained capacity-building to lawyers and bar associations around the globe. Through collaboration with national bars and international partners, the Association works to strengthen professional standards, encourage ethical practice and equip practitioners with the tools, knowledge and networks required to challenge corruption and uphold the rule of law.

IBA President, Jaime Carey, commented: ‘Corruption corrodes trust, weakens institutions and undermines the rule of law. On International Anti-Corruption Day, we recognise the indispensable role that lawyers play in defending integrity and ensuring that justice systems remain resilient. The IBA’s anti-corruption work is not simply a programme of activities; it is a long-term commitment to strengthening the profession, supporting bar associations and law societies and ensuring that justice systems remain fair, transparent and retain public confidence. The IBA will continue to work with partners worldwide to support legal professionals in confronting corruption in all its forms.’

Adriana Dantas, Co-Chair of the IBA Anti-Corruption Committee, remarked: ‘Global challenges – from illicit financial flows to rapidly evolving technologies – demand coordinated, informed and principled action. As we mark International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th, 2025, it’s important to remember that integrity, transparency, and accountability are more than just aspirations – they are essential pillars for fair societies and prosperous economies.’

The IBA continues to work closely with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank and other global organisations to tackle this issue. Collaborative initiatives include targeted training programmes, support for bars developing compliance and ethical frameworks, and contributions to global consultations shaping policy and professional norms. The IBA’s Anti-Corruption Committee and Asset Recovery Committee, supported by several specialist sub-committees, remain important global hubs for expertise and coordination.

Recent engagement and research advancing global policy

Over the past five years, the IBA has further strengthened its engagement with multilateral bodies. This has included participation in the biannual UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of States Parties (CoSP) in 2021, 2023 and again this year in Qatar, contributing to discussions on the role of lawyers as gatekeepers, reinforcers of institutional frameworks and protectors of professional independence.

In March 2025, the IBA launched a landmark report following a global survey examining the impact of corruption on the legal profession. The report offered recommendations for bar associations, law firms and individual practitioners on prevention, transparency and effective responses to corruption risks. Its findings were presented at the 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum, further contributing to international policy dialogue.

Strengthening capacity on anti-money laundering and emerging risks

A major ongoing initiative is a multi-year capacity-building programme designed to support an effective understanding of anti-money laundering (AML) obligations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. The first regional training workshop, delivered in partnership with FATF and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and supported by the Bar Issues Commission, took place in October 2025, with further events planned for 2026 in jurisdictions where compliance frameworks are still developing.

A continuing commitment to integrity and institutional resilience

As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA remains committed to championing ethical practice, reinforcing institutional resilience and supporting lawyers everywhere in their efforts to combat corruption. The Association will continue to expand partnerships, invest in research and training and advocate for transparent, accountable and resilient justice systems worldwide.

ENDS

Contact: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org

Notes

1. Click here to learn more about the IBA’s work on ethics and anti-corruption.

2. The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.

   The IBA acts as a connector, enabler, and influencer, for the administration of justice, fair practice, and accountability worldwide. The IBA has collaborated on a broad range of ground-breaking, international projects with the United Nations, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, The Commonwealth, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, among others.

3. Find the IBA on social media here:
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