About the Convention

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the main international legal instrument to prevent and combat transnational organized crime. Adopted by the General Assembly in 2000, it established a common framework for criminalization, international cooperation, law enforcement collaboration and technical assistance among States.

What is the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)?

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the main international legal instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 55/25 of 15 November 2000, opened for signature at a High‑level Political Conference in Palermo, Italy, in December 2000, and entered into force on 29 September 2003.

The Convention represents a major step forward in international efforts to address transnational organized crime. Through UNTOC, States parties recognize both the serious threats posed by organized criminal groups and the need to enhance international cooperation to prevent and combat these crimes effectively.

By ratifying the Convention, States commit to adopting a comprehensive set of measures, including the criminalization of participation in an organized criminal group, money laundering, corruption and obstruction of justice. The Convention also establishes frameworks for extradition, mutual legal assistance, and law enforcement cooperation, and promotes training and technical assistance to strengthen national capacities.

UNTOC provides the legal foundation for coordinated international action against transnational organized crime and serves as the cornerstone of a global framework supporting prevention, cooperation and capacity‑building among States.

The Convention

Adopted by the UN General Assembly: 15 November 2000, by resolution 55/25

Entry into force: 29 September 2003, in accordance with article 38

Signatories: 147

Parties: 195 (as of 27 August 2026)

Ratification/Status Page » Text of the Convention and the Protocols thereto (Arabic - Chinese - English - French - Russian - Spanish)

UN General Assembly resolutions adopting the UNTOC and its Protocols (Resolution 55/25, Resolution 55/255)

Supporting Documents: Travaux Préparatoire; Legislative guides and glossaries of terms

Status of ratification

The Protocols to UNTOC

UNTOC is supported by three supplementary Protocols that address specific forms of transnational organized crime. Together, the Convention and its Protocols establish a comprehensive international legal framework to prevent and combat organized crime and to strengthen cooperation among States.

Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons

This Protocol is the first global legally binding instrument to define trafficking in persons. It aims to prevent and combat trafficking, protect and assist victims with full respect for their human rights, and promote cooperation.

Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air

This Protocol establishes a common definition of migrant smuggling and seeks to prevent and combat it, strengthen cooperation, and protect the rights of smuggled migrants, while preventing exploitation.

Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition

The Firearms Protocol guides global efforts in addressing the transnational nature of firearms trafficking and its links to organized crime from a criminal justice perspective.

Learn more about the UNTOC in action

The work related to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime extends beyond its legal text. UNTOC is applied, reviewed and developed through ongoing cooperation among States, supported by technical assistance, intergovernmental processes and the exchange of knowledge and experience.

These activities help ensure that the Convention and its Protocols respond effectively to evolving forms of transnational organized crime and continue to support international cooperation, implementation and shared learning worldwide.

Implementing the Convention

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Explore UNODC's work supporting States in implementing the Organized Crime Convention.

Implementing UNTOC

Reviewing Implementation

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Learn how States assess implementation of the Convention through the UNTOC Review Mechanism.

Review Mechanism

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