A/HRC/32/22 asset declarations and to regulate lobbying. It highlighted the importance of transparency in making judicial appointments and decision-making in environmental planning. 49. Malta shared its positive experience with a reform to address vulnerability to corruption in environmental planning and the granting of development permits. A recent legislative act contained provisions on disclosure of conflicts of interests of staff members and consultants of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. Failure to disclose an interest could result in removal from office or termination of contract. As an additional safeguard, relevant proceedings and hearings were held in public. Moreover, the Ombudsman Act was amended to allow the Ombudsman to appoint commissioners for administrative investigations; that led to the appointment of a Commissioner for Environment and Planning to investigate complaints related to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. The Commissioner has the power to require the production of documents, summon witnesses and report to Parliament. Since the reform, the number of complaints had decreased. Mauritius 50. The Government of Mauritius expressed the view that corruption could violate human rights, had negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights, increased inequality and caused poverty. Corruption created discrimination and inequality of opportunity, especially with respect to employment, promotion, access to services and opportunities. Those who were disadvantaged economically and politically suffered disproportionately from the consequences of corruption because they were particularly dependent on public goods. 51. The Government expressed the belief that the fight against corruption could be complemented by respect for human rights standards, methods and mechanisms, as both pursued the same objective: a society where justice, fairness, honesty, equality and integrity prevailed for the benefit of the population. Prevention and suppression of corruption ultimately promoted human rights and asset recovery was a means to provide redress. 52. The national human rights institution transmitted allegations of corruption to the national anti-corruption agency. The Government drew attention to the principles common to achieving human rights and to fighting corruption. A common understanding of the problem and of its impact and close collaboration could result in a more effective outcome. Possible joint actions included outreach and education campaigns and research. 53. The Government underlined the importance of upholding the rights of the accused in the investigation and prosecution of suspected cases of corruption as well as during confiscation procedures. It also shared information on its legislation for the protection of witnesses and informers. Finally, it expressed the view that indicators might help to measure the negative impact of corruption on human rights. Montenegro 54. The Government of Montenegro reported that under its Law on Prevention of Corruption the national anti-corruption agency had the authority to assign proceedings to other competent authorities, which allowed for cooperation with the national human rights institution. The anti-corruption agency was an independent body that carried out its functions free from any undue influence. 55. The Government shared information on the legal requirements for the investigation and prosecution of corruption as well as for the recovery of stolen assets. 56. The Law on Prevention of Corruption strengthened the protection of whistleblowers. The definition of whistle-blower covered public and private sector employees. 8