Lecture 2_Corruption and Human Rights.pptx

Although corrupt acts can have short- and long-term detrimental effects on human rights, we cannot conclude that all acts of corruption always cause human rights violations. There is nonetheless an indication that highly violent societies also have higher levels of corruption.

Yet, research generally shows that corruption is negatively correlated with government expenditure on education and health care. However, this correlation does not necessarily exist in every society and may depend on factors such as the economic environment, the independence of the judiciary, regime type and history.

Therefore, the causal relationship between corruption and human rights must be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis and in a context-specific manner. Some of these approaches are discussed in the following.

This presentation focus on the work of UN institutions and legal analysis – however, there is a vast literature based on grounded studies that address the relationship including work on brokerage, exchanges and front line bureaucrats.

Think about the following statement, when you hear the presentation.

If, the relationships between corruption and human rights are part of everyday life for most people in the world. And the separation into two legal categories and international systems is a consequence of global politics and the development of international laws, conventions, treaties that are carried out through expert discourses, institutions and instruments e.g. UNCAC reviews, UPR reviews, treaty bodies and Special rapporteurs etc.

How can we work to prevent or inhibit corruption and human rights violations?

Sources:

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) (2016). Best practices to counter the negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of all human rights. 15 April. A/HRC/32/22.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) (2019). The negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights. 9 July. A/HRC/41/L.11.

United Nations Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on Corruption in Conflict [as delivered], 10 September 2018.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2019). Thematic report on corruption and torture or other ill-treatment. A/HRC/40/59.