International Training Course on
the Criminal Justice Response to Corruption

In recent years, countries in the Asia and Pacific region have experienced rapid growth in their economies. At the same time these countries face the problem of corruption, such as bribery, embezzlement and abuse of authority committed by government officials. This phenomenon damages the financial framework of the nations and has been the main obstacle to the sound development of economic growth and trading.

Corruption of varying magnitudes and types has persisted in many countries for years. It ranges from large-scale corruption involving politicians to small-scale corruption by low-level government employees. Even minor acts of corruption are damaging, breeding feelings of distrust and unfairness toward the government among ordinary citizen. As a consequence, it may ultimately weaken or collapse the national or local ruling government and economic structure of a country. Therefore the issue of prevention and control of corruption is the first priority for the sound development of economy and society of the respective countries. In addition, the official system is generally unprepared in these countries and the establishment of laws for effective prevention and control of corruption is not sufficient.

Course participants from various countries, including Japan, discuss the current situation of corruption and countermeasures to the causes of corruption. In addition, they explore measures for establishing a more effective criminal justice system and debate specific measures to manage the system effectively, including revising current laws

The main topics of the training course are listed below:
1. The current situation of corruption.
2. Current problems and solutions relating to corruption in the criminal justice system.
a. Problems and solutions at the investigation and prosecution level.
b. Problems and solutions at the trial level.
3. General measures to prevent corruption.
4. International cooperation in corruption.