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#Corruption

#Corruption

Corruption is the dishonest or unethical behaviour of a person who enjoys an position of authority, often for a personal benefit. Human rights defenders struggle against all kinds of corruption, at the governments and corporations, as a way to protect their societies and resources.

According to the report of the High Commissioner of Human Rights Office, The Human Rights Case Against Corruption, the corrupt management of public resources compromises the State’s ability to deliver services, including health, education, and welfare, which are essential for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Corruption leads to discriminatory access to public services in favour of those able to influence authorities, including by offering bribes. Economically and politically disadvantaged groups and persons suffer disproportionately in these circumstances, because they are most dependent on public services but least able to influence State policies and corrupt officials.

Corruption can also affect the enjoyment of civil and political rights in all States, even long established democracies, by weakening public institutions and eroding the rule of law. When corruption is prevalent, those in public positions fail to take decisions with the best interests of society in mind. As a result, corruption damages the legitimacy of regimes leading to a loss of public support and trust for state and government institutions. When widespread, practices like electoral fraud, illicit funding of political parties or even the perceived disproportionate influence of money in politics can erode confidence in government".