A/HRC/32/22
124. The organization drew attention to the similarities of anti-corruption principles
(participation, transparency, access to information, accountability) and human, primarily
civil and political, rights (freedom of expression and the media, including the right of
access to information, freedom of assembly and association, independence of the judiciary,
equality and non-discrimination and the right to strike).
125. The organization highlighted the importance for national human rights institutions
and anti-corruption bodies to be independent and have broad powers. It also highlighted the
importance of civil society space in the fight against corruption, as well as the role of
supreme audit institutions.
New Line Social Organization
126. The New Line Social Organization highlighted the negative impact of corruption on
development and human rights. It called for human rights education and awareness-raising,
independent anti-corruption bodies, development, creation of employment opportunities,
security and democracy as means to combat corruption.
Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group
127. The Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group highlighted the importance of an
independent judiciary and of law enforcement for the protection against corruption. The
organization recommended the adoption of a memorandum of understanding between the
National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria and the national anti-corruption bodies. It
also recommended elaborating a whistle-blower protection law.
Washington and Lee University School of Law
128. The Washington and Lee University School of Law highlighted the importance of
human rights and anti-corruption education, which sensitized students to the effects of
corruption, prepared them to enter the workforce with an understanding of ways and means
to identify and combat corruption and could be an effective tool to combat corruption. The
law school was implementing a joint anti-corruption and human rights programme with the
Law School of the University of Liberia to share students’ knowledge of anti-corruption
and human rights with the community and local organizations.128.
V. Analysis and conclusions
129. Respondents shared the view that corruption has a negative impact on the
enjoyment of human rights and can lead to or directly constitute human rights
violations. Economically and politically marginalized groups were at particular risk of
the adverse effects of corruption. Respondents stressed that corruption undermined
the capacity of States to protect and fulfil their human rights obligations, more
specifically the obligation to take steps, to the maximum of available resources, with a
view to achieving progressively the full realization of economic, social and cultural
rights. They further emphasized that corruption could lead to discrimination and
violated the principle of equality. Therefore, States were duty bound to combat
corruption.
130. Several respondents highlighted the importance of a human rights-based
approach to combating corruption. Respondents argued that a human rights-based
approach would complement the mainstream, or traditional, anti-corruption efforts,
which tended to focus on the perpetrator, individual criminal responsibility and
suppression. The human rights-based approach, on the other hand, focused on the
victim, on State responsibility and on prevention and redress.
17
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