14 May 2025 –

As corruption increasingly fosters an environment where human rights violations become more prevalent and systemic, the devastating impact on the rights and needs of people can no longer be ignored. As a result, 368 civil society organizations and experts from 107 countries have come together to issue an urgent open letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), calling for the adoption of a strong resolution that addresses the negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights at the upcoming 59th Human Rights Council Session.

The signatories are urging the Council to implement a human rights-based approach to anti-corruption efforts, calling on states to go beyond rhetoric and move towards implementing proactive, rights-focused measures. The letter emphasizes that anti-corruption initiatives not only address legal violations but also promote common good, equity and safeguard fundamental freedoms.

The letter recognizes the importance of the 2015 Advisory Committee report and its insights regarding states’ human rights obligations to prevent corruption from undermining the enjoyment of rights by individuals, identifiable groups and society at large. It calls on the HRC to mandate the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct a comprehensive study to assess existing human rights obligations in the context of corruption and develop clear guidelines for states to implement and build upon past work, like that of the 2015 Advisory Committee report. 

International commitments already recognize the corrosive effects of corruption on human rights. However, meaningful action remains limited. The signatories stress that it is more important than ever for the Human Rights Council to step up and use its unique position to address the nexus of anti-corruption and human rights agendas.

By adopting a strong resolution with a substantive mandate, the UN human rights system can play a crucial role in ensuring that anti-corruption efforts prioritize human dignity, protect fundamental freedoms, and uphold the rule of law. See the open letter below.