In most legal frameworks across the world, victims of corruption remain largely invisible, excluded from proceedings that profoundly affect their lives and communities. Recognizing these victims and enabling them to participate in justice processes is not only a legal necessity but also a democratic imperative.
Coordinated civil society action can transform this landscape by expanding legal standing, supporting litigation, and securing reparations that benefit affected communities. On 16 October 2025, civil society organizations launched a collective roadmap to advance victims’ rights in corruption cases during an online event. This initiative is the result of joint efforts by organizations including the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, Due Process of Law Foundation, TOJIL, Abogados sin Fronteras, Proética, and the UNCAC Coalition, alongside legal experts such as Naomi Roht-Arriaza, José Ugaz, and Juan Pablo Olmedo.
Since 2020, the UNCAC Coalition, building on the work of Juanita Olaya and the Coalition’s Working Group on Victims of Corruption, has been advocating for victims’ rights, highlighting the need for reparations, and promoting civil society participation in anti-corruption litigation. Recent efforts emphasize a human rights-based approach, linking anti-corruption work with international human rights instruments and mechanisms.
Building Momentum
The roadmap, spanning October–December 2025, combines strategic litigation, public mobilization, and multilateral advocacy to expand legal recognition of victims of corruption and consolidate an international movement. These activities will provide spaces for knowledge sharing, technical capacity building, and coordinated advocacy, strengthening both national and international efforts to recognize victims’ rights.
Live streaming from the November 19th event, “When Corruption Affects Us: Participation of Victims and CSOs in the Fight Against Corruption”, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANeKWZQzImQm
We warmly invite legal experts and civil society organizations worldwide to join these efforts and help amplify our key messages throughout 2026, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and their rights recognized.