A/HRC/32/22
could set up a mailbox on a whistle-blower website and exchange information with
investigators while remaining anonymous.
Bahrain
15.
The Government of Bahrain underlined that one of the reasons for criminalizing
bribery in the public and private sectors was the negative impact of bribery on the
enjoyment of human rights and the violation of the principle of equal opportunity. It shared
information on constitutional and legal guarantees to protect the human rights of suspects
and of victims in anti-corruption criminal procedures.
16.
Bahrain had no memorandum of understanding or other formal arrangement on
coordination and cooperation between the national anti-corruption agency and the national
human rights institution. All entities worked as one organization and coordination existed at
all levels; there was therefore no need for such a memorandum.
17.
The Government also shared information on its regulatory framework for asset
declaration and on the protection of victims and witnesses, which could include change of
place of residence, change of identity and a prohibition or restriction on providing
information relating to the identity and residence of the persons requiring protection.
Bahrain relied on audio and visual technology to register testimonies for use in criminal
proceedings for the protection of victims and witnesses.
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
18.
The Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia stressed that corruption had a
negative impact on State property and diminished the resources available for public
services. It thus constituted a structural obstacle to the enjoyment and realization of human
rights. The fight against corruption could have positive effects on the realization of human
rights, and the promotion of human rights could prevent corruption. Moreover, the fight
against corruption could be fully effective only through a human rights approach.
19.
The Government underlined the importance of the principles of public disclosure
and transparency in public administration. Access to information was particularly important
to ensure social control of public spending and management.
20.
The national policy to promote transparency and combat corruption built upon two
fundamental principles, human rights and social dialogue. It sought to strengthen citizens’
participation, transparency in public management and the right of access to information.
Access to information, social control, public ethics and public accountability were also
constitutional principles.
21.
The Government shared information on the protection of witnesses and reporting
persons, the establishment of “transparency units” in each ministry, public outreach and
education activities, and international cooperation.
Colombia
22.
The Government of Colombia highlighted the convergence of the principles
underpinning good governance, anti-corruption and the realization of human rights. One
important element in the fight against corruption was access to information and social
control, such as public hearings to ensure accountability of the public administration. The
statutory law on transparency and access to information regulated access to public
information, the procedures for exercising the right and the exceptions. The Government
also drew attention to the importance of e-government or government online, which
contributed to making the State more efficient, transparent and participatory. Another
initiative was the creation of a transparency and anti-corruption observatory, which aimed
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