Countering corruption contributes to further strengthen human rights. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) recognizes principles such as integrity, accountability, transparency and the right to information, all of which reinforces the practical application and respect for human rights. Moreover, by requiring States parties to take measures to strengthen judicial integrity and to prevent opportunities for corruption among members of the judiciary and the prosecution service, the Convention, consistent with human rights law, requires States parties to strengthen integrity standards as a key to prevent and counter corruption. UNCAC also sets out specific requirements to protect persons reporting, in good faith, about corruption offences.
UNODC actively participates at high level discussions and panels on countering corruption and supporting human rights standards.
As part of UNODC's work linking anti-corruption and human rights, during the sixth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption, UNODC formed part of a panel discussion on "Best Practices in Combating Corruption and its Impact on Human Rights". Panellists discussed the impact of corruption on human rights and possible anticorruption strategies to strengthen accountability and thereby improve human rights. Further information is available at:
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CAC/CAC-COSP-session6-specialevents.html
UNODC also participated at the High Level Panel Discussion on the negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights. This panel was convened at the request of the Human Rights Council and delivered during the Council's 22 nd Regular Session. A report of it is available at:
https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNCAC/COSP/session5/G1313228e.pdf
A video-link can be accessed at:
http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/human-rights-council/watch/panel-discussion-on-corruption-33rd-meeting-22nd-regular-session-human-rights-council/2223536251001/?page=15&sort=popular
Furthermore, UNODC contributed substantively to studies on illicit financial flows and human rights as part of the Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative (StAR), jointly with the World Bank.
The Corruption and Economic Branch of UNODC continues to provide technical advisory services to assists States parties to implement the Convention, addressing human rights related topics, as linked to corruption.