A/HRC/41/20
work at the national level often did not integrate a human rights-based approach. In order to
be effective, anti-corruption work should be integral, benefit people and promote education.
Ms. Valiña concluded that anti-corruption work should also consider the underlying aspects
relating to economic, social and cultural rights, promote the participation of civil society,
and promote the participation of victims and their interests in it.
54.
Mr. Timilsina emphasized the need for both technological advances and traditional
practices. Some good practices involving the use of technology included blockchain in land
acquisition and e-governance. Anti-graft legislation was, however, also very effective.
UNDP and UNODC were working together to develop a methodology based on a
victimization survey to measure bribery for the purposes of attaining the Sustainable
Development Goals. This effort was expected to address problems relating to measuring the
causes and symptoms of corruption and corruption perception indices. With regard to
investigation and prosecution to address impunity, several elements were needed, such as
judicial integrity, an open budget and access to information. Resorting to multi-stakeholder
engagement, investigation and prosecution was insufficient, as was focusing on any one
component of anti-corruption activities.
55.
Ms. Welsch pointed out that many of the human rights considerations mentioned
had been reflected in anti-corruption work and the United Nations Convention against
Corruption, including the human rights principles of transparency and integrity in justice
systems, public accountability and the role of parliaments. To move beyond rhetoric,
human rights bodies should reflect on lessons learned, experiences shared and the
knowledge gained in anti-corruption work, and the implementation of the Convention over
the past 15 years.
IV. Conclusions and recommendations
56.
Measuring corruption is inherently difficult, and measuring the impact of
corruption on human rights even more so.
57.
Despite these difficulties, there is abundant evidence of important correlations
between the perceived levels of corruption and the enjoyment of human rights. While
corruption can affect all human rights, it affects most significantly the human rights
of the poor, marginalized and vulnerable segments of society.
58.
Combating corruption is essential for ensuring the realization of human rights.
At the same time, fighting corruption is inextricably linked to the exercise and
enjoyment of human rights. Both ends are best achieved through a coherent, holistic
approach.
59.
International human rights law and international anti-corruption law
complement and reinforce each other. They share the same principles of integrity,
transparency, accountability and participation, which are also key principles of good
governance. Combating corruption and ensuring human rights is also a key factor in
the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
60.
Anti-corruption and human rights mechanisms are mindful of the linkages
between corruption and human rights. International human rights mechanisms
increasingly address corruption as a structural impediment to the realization of
human rights. The United Nations Convention against Corruption and the findings of
its Implementation Review Mechanism constitute the most widely agreed
international standard for addressing such structural impediments.
61.
Anti-corruption and human rights actors stand to benefit from a greater
exchange of information, sharing of approaches and practices, and coordination.
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