Although corrupt acts can have short- and long-term detrimental effects on human rights, we cannot conclude that all acts of corruption always cause human rights violations. There is nonetheless an indication that highly violent societies also have higher levels of corruption.
Yet, research generally shows that corruption is negatively correlated with government expenditure on education and health care. However, this correlation does not necessarily exist in every society and may depend on factors such as the economic environment, the independence of the judiciary, regime type and history.
Therefore, the causal relationship between corruption and human rights must be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis and in a context-specific manner.
Sources:
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) (2016). Best practices to counter the negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of all human rights (Links to an external site.). 15 April. A/HRC/32/22.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) (2019). The negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights (Links to an external site.). 9 July. A/HRC/41/L.11.
United Nations Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council on Corruption in Conflict (Links to an external site.) [as delivered], 10 September 2018.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2019). Thematic report on corruption and torture or other ill-treatment. (Links to an external site.)A/HRC/40/59.