---
title: "Palermo Convention (UNTOC): Treaty Explained"
description: "The UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, or Palermo Convention, is vital for combating organized crime through its three key protocols."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/untoc-palermo-convention"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Palermo Convention is the United Nations' principal multilateral treaty against transnational organized crime, supplemented by three protocols on trafficking, smuggling, and firearms.
- What are the three protocols supplementing the Palermo Convention?
- How does the Convention define a 'serious crime' and 'organized criminal group'?
- How does the Palermo Convention differ from UNCAC?
- Can the Palermo Convention itself serve as a legal basis for extradition?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention) like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Timeline

1. 15 November 2000

   It was adopted by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 55/25 of and opened for signature at a high-level conference in Palermo from 12 to 15 December…

2. 15 December 2000

   It was adopted by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 55/25 of 15 November 2000 and opened for signature at a high-level conference in Palermo from 12…

3. 29 September 2003

   The Convention entered into force on , following the deposit of the fortieth instrument of ratification.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention)

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention)](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20UN%20Convention%20against%20Transnational%20Organized%20Crime%20\(Palermo%20Convention\)%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

India deposited its instrument of ratification of the Palermo Convention in May 2011, subsequently invoking its mutual legal assistance provisions to seek evidence from foreign jurisdictions in human trafficking and money-laundering investigations.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention) beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.