A/HRC/4/71 page 31 4. Fighting corruption while safeguarding human rights The presentations raised the following points: • In his presentation Senator Zbigniew Romaszewski indicated that anti-corruption measures enhance good governance and human rights protection. On the other hand, it is inevitable that while combating corruption certain rights and freedoms might be limited. He also pointed out the importance of a coherent and stable legal system, as well as legal education and assistance in the context of preventing corruption; • Rights which are in particular susceptible to violation as a result of anti-corruption measures: − Freedom of expression; − Freedom of information; − Freedom from State interference in private life; − Due process of law; • Importance of the role of ombudsman institutions in ensuring protection of human rights; • Disregard for human rights in fighting corruption is a moral and strategic mistake; • Anti-corruption policies can use lessons from transitional justice against systematic and massive human rights violations experiences; • Risk of political use of anti-corruption measures in dealing with political opponents; • The collaboration between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was emphasized. Reference was made to the guidelines being prepared by UNODC to facilitate interpretation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption with due attention to safeguarding human rights. RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations emerged from the panel presentations and discussions: 1. Impact of corruption on human rights • States should sign, ratify and implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); • Government reforms are a necessary part of any strategy but many other actors must be involved;