International Association of Prosecutors

The International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) is a non-governmental, non-political organisation and the only worldwide organisation for prosecutors. It was established on 6 June 1995 at the United Nations Office in Vienna and formally inaugurated in September 1996 at its first General Meeting in Budapest, driven by the rapid growth of transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud, and the need for stronger international cooperation between prosecutors in mutual legal assistance, extradition and asset recovery. The IAP has more than 170 organisational members and represents over 250,000 prosecutors in more than 175 countries and territories. It works to set and raise standards of professional conduct and ethics for prosecutors, to promote the rule of law, fairness, impartiality and respect for human rights, and to build networks between prosecuting agencies and exchange information and expertise. It organises an annual conference and general meeting that bring prosecutors from many countries together to network and share best practices and experiences.