Date: Thursday, 19 June, 2025 | 12:15 – 13:15 CET

Co-organizers:  The Core Group of the Resolution on the Negative Impact of Corruption on the Enjoyment of Human Rights, the UNCAC Coalition, Transparency International, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Location: Room VII  Building A Palais des Nations; Geneva

Online participation: https://ungeneva-vc.webex.com/ungeneva-vc/j.php?MTID=m6809371bb40496ae45d47adde6d6eef8

Description: 

Corruption undermines the realization of human rights, particularly economic, social, and cultural rights, by distorting the delivery of public services, exacerbating inequality, and eroding public trust in institutions. In particular, it constitutes a major obstacle to the effective enjoyment of these rights for marginalized populations. Corruption fosters an environment where human rights violations become more prevalent and systemic, as those in power exploit their entrusted positions for personal gain while neglecting the rights and needs of the people they are meant to serve. At the same time, shrinking civic space, restricted access to information, and the lack of independent oversight mechanisms further hinder civil society’s ability to uncover and denounce such corruption.

This reality underscores the necessity of a human rights-based approach to anti-corruption efforts. Such an approach is also supported by the provisions of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to prevent and combat corruption and recognises the important role that civil society plays in this regard. This approach extends beyond merely addressing criminal liability to encompass social and environmental responsibility, ensuring more holistic and sustainable anti-corruption measures. A human rights approach not only reinforces accountability and fairness but also promotes justice and the common good, which are essential for the rule of law and sustainable development.  While both the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the UN human rights mechanisms address these issues, coordination and coherence between the two frameworks remain limited. 

This side event seeks to foster mutual reinforcement between UNCAC implementation and international human rights mechanisms by showcasing practical tools and experiences that help bridge the gap between anti-corruption and human rights efforts. It aims to contribute to the broader goal of embedding anti-corruption initiatives within a human rights-based approach, grounded in the principles of transparency, participation, and accountability.

Objectives:

● Highlight practical tools and experiences that integrate anti-corruption efforts with human rights protections.

● Promote the use of international human rights mechanisms to address corruption-related harms.

● Foster greater coherence between the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism and the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review

● Encourage states, civil society, and all concerned stakeholders to apply rights-based frameworks in anti-corruption work.

• Moderator:
  • María José Veramendi Villa, Human Rights Officer, Thematic Engagement Division, OHCHR
• Keynote speakers:
  • H.E. Mr. Omar Zniber, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN in Geneva
  • H.E. Mr. Marcelo Vázquez Bermúdez, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the UN in Geneva
• Speakers:
  • Dimiter Chalev, Chief of Branch, Thematic Engagement Division, OHCHR
  • Betina Pasteknik, UNCAC Coalition Head of Working Groups and Operations
  • Andrea Rocca, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Transparency International 
  • Nicoletta Zappile, Deputy Director, UPR.info