Doha: Experts and specialists in the field of combating corruption affirmed that strengthening the rights of victims of corruption represents a fundamental pillar in building effective and inclusive justice systems. They stressed that enabling victims to access justice and obtain redress contributes to consolidating integrity and enhancing trust in public institutions.
According to Qatar News Agency, this discussion unfolded during the final day of the eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held in Doha. The event saw broad participation from government representatives, international experts, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.
Participants highlighted the international declaration on the rights of victims of corruption, emphasizing the importance of access to justice and fair treatment. A key principle noted was enabling victims to present their views and concerns during legal proceedings, ensuring consideration at appropriate stages without prejudice to the rights of the accused and in line with national criminal legislation.
Experts noted that protection for victims extends beyond procedural measures, encompassing appropriate assistance throughout the legal process. They stressed the necessity of measures to protect victims' privacy, ensure their safety and that of their families, and safeguard witnesses from intimidation or retaliation.
Speakers underscored that these principles form a crucial foundation for activating Article 35 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which addresses access to justice and compensation for harm. They pointed out that several Human Rights Council resolutions recognize the detrimental impact of corruption on human rights and affirm the importance of victim participation in justice processes.
Experts stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating corruption, which places victims at the heart of public policy and links prevention, accountability, redress, and respect for human rights. They affirmed that the United Nations Convention against Corruption sees prevention as a practical program requiring institutional design to reduce power abuse, enhance transparency, and ensure reliable accountability mechanisms.
Participants warned that the absence of safeguards in sectors with broad discretionary authority could lead to coercion, extortion, illicit gains, and abuse of authority, all negatively impacting individual and societal rights.
Experts explained that States Parties are required to entrench integrity and accountability in public safety and service through clear standards of conduct and effective internal controls, critical elements of the Convention's preventive chapter.
The panel discussion also addressed the need for clear and auditable standards in public institutions, decision review processes, and reducing gray areas prone to office abuse. Participants emphasized aligning training and capacity-building with professional values as crucial for strengthening integrity and fostering a culture of compliance and respect for the law.
Regarding evidence management, experts highlighted systematic documentation, integrity of chains of custody, and data governance as core pillars of accountability, limiting risks of manipulation and enhancing anti-corruption efforts.
They also emphasized the importance of secure reporting mechanisms and protecting good-faith whistleblowers as fundamental safeguards for integrity, contributing to early detection of violations.
Experts discussed international experiences in developing national protocols to protect whistleblowers and victims of corruption, aimed at reducing reporting fear and reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy for impunity. They affirmed that involving civil society in judicial proceedings complements state efforts, ensuring victims' voices are heard in cases affecting collective interests.
In a related context, participants noted multilateral banks' role in combating corruption, emphasizing their sanctioning systems aim to deter wrongdoing, protect public funds, and rehabilitate companies through compliance systems. They stressed that these systems convey to the market that corruption has consequences and encourage the development of a culture of integrity that extends to the private sector.
Experts concluded by emphasizing that prioritizing victims and human rights in anti-corruption efforts strengthens coherence and effectiveness, making these efforts more relevant to people's daily lives. They stressed the success of the United Nations Convention against Corruption hinges on a comprehensive approach balancing prevention, enforcement, redress, and respect for human dignity.