17 September 2019, 12:00-13:00
Event
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Corruption is one of the major impediments causing individuals to be denied the full enjoyment of their rights as enshrined in the United Nations (UN) human rights instruments. There has been long consideration given to the impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights and acknowledgement that corruption ‘both drives human rights abuses and hinders the effective discharge of human rights obligations’.
The UN Convention against Corruption has proven to be an important instrument governing the international fight against corruption. However, there have been discussions amongst stakeholders on the need to address corruption-related human rights issues. There is a growing recognition on the serious impediment’s corruption-related acts have on the enjoyment and fulfilment of human rights obligations. In March 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture published a report examining the relationship between corruption and torture or ill-treatment, outlining the predominant patterns of interaction between the two, systemic root causes and recommendations.
Since 2018, there has been a significant improvement in the way UN treaty bodies have addressed the issue of corruption in their work: there is greater awareness, corruption is increasingly linked to other human rights violations and mentioned in more countries. In order to keep improving this work, UN human rights mechanisms also need to receive information and reports on the issue of corruption.
In order to encourage anti-corruption groups and movements to use the UN human rights framework at their disposal, the CCPR Centre, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Geneva Academy developed a Practitioners’ Guide on Human Rights and Countering Corruption. This guide focuses notably on how UN human rights mechanisms can be better used to report on corruption issues, and it provides guidance as well as practical recommendations on effectively integrating human rights into anti-corruption efforts. The guide will be presented during this side-event.
On the occasion of the launch of the guide, this panel, co-organized with the CCPR Centre, OHCHR and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will explore innovative practical ideas on how best to address corruption-related human rights issues within the UN human rights framework.
Adobe
A one-day consultation aimed at discussing with a variety of experts the challenges, opportunities and best practices arising from an increased reliance on open source information in accountability processes.
Adobe
Our new IHL Expert Pool began to position itself as a flexible tool that human rights mechanisms can rely on to increase their international humanitarian law (IHL) knowledge and to apply IHL in their work.
Geneva Cities Hub
This side event at the UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi will discuss how local and regional governments localize the SDGs and fulfil human rights on the ground and their increased international visibility through the UPR.
Adobe
This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.
Adobe
This training course will explore the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as with their implementation and enforcement mechanisms; and provide practical insights into the different UN human rights mechanisms pertinent to advancing environmental issues and protecting environmental human rights defenders.
Olivier Chamard/Geneva Academy
The GHRP Briefings provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss the results of the United Nations (UN) Treaty Body (TB) 2020 Review and practical ways to implement change.
Dave Klassen/The EITI
This project aimed at identifying and clarifying policies and practices for states and businesses, including public and private investors, across the full ‘conflict cycle’ and the ‘protect, respect and remedy’ pillars of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Geneva Academy
Geneva Academy