A/HRC/28/73 combat corruption. As examples, the Council of Europe listed its Civil Law Convention on Corruption (mentioned earlier), and the establishment of the Groupe d’États contre la corruption, which invited the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights to share his views on the possible impact of corruption on the effectiveness of human rights. In his view, the protection of victims of corruption, and the protection of persons who report suspicions of corruption, should be seen as important tools in promoting both human rights and ethical behaviour.28 40. From a more substantive (rather than an organizational) angle, it can be established from the answers to the questionnaire by States and other stakeholders that human rights play an important role in anti-corruption strategies. What is emphasized by some respondents is the importance of a well-informed and participatory society in order to combat corruption. This outcome would be further strengthened by human rights education, which can raise awareness of corruption. 41. Many of the respondents to the questionnaire state that it is essential to highlight the significance of the human rights perspective in the fight against corruption, and to integrate that perspective into anti-corruption policies. With regard to the question on the role of United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms, many stakeholders suggest that measures be taken that are aimed at awareness-raising and education. More concretely, the relevant United Nations bodies are invited, in the responses to the questionnaire, to develop and present examples of good practices of combining anti-corruption measures with human rights. Furthermore, they are asked to prepare information and suggestions: to cite an example, they are asked to develop specific guidelines and strategic plans on how to integrate human rights into anti-corruption strategies. The answers to the questionnaire indicate that this substantive input should be shared by means of international conferences, seminars and trainings organized by the United Nations in cooperation with States. The importance of adequate information and of the training of national experts on this issue is also highlighted in the responses to the questionnaire. VI. Corruption and human rights: the “non-victims” 42. When analysing the connection between corruption and human rights, the main focus is on the possible negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights for the victims of the corrupt act. That focus is the main advantage of carrying out such an analysis. The human rights of other actors involved should not, however, be disregarded. While the present report focuses mainly on the negative impact of corruption on the victims, a brief look at other persons involved is necessary. 43. Persons suspected of having committed a criminal offence relating to corrupt behaviour have rights as part of the criminal proceedings being taken against them. Even if effective criminal prosecution is an important tool against corruption, the rights of accused individuals must be guaranteed. 44. Human rights defenders — persons who individually or together with others strive for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms — are often subjects of harassment, intimidation, threats, arbitrary arrest and attacks. This also includes persons who denounce and fight corruption. According to the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, States have a duty to protect human rights defenders against violence, threats, 28 See Groupe d’États contre la corruption, Twelfth general activity report (2011), document GRECO (2012) 1 E Final. 13