This Amicus Curiae Brief, submitted by the Global Civil Society Coalition for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Petition P 1550-20, addresses a critical and globally relevant issue: the exclusion of civil society organizations from meaningful participation in corruption investigations and judicial proceedings.
The brief argues that large-scale corruption is not a victimless crime. It causes systemic harm — undermining access to public services, weakening democratic institutions, and violating fundamental human rights. In this context, the exclusion of civil society actors from anti-corruption processes not only limits transparency and accountability but may also undermine victims’ rights to remedy and participation.
Drawing on international human rights law, anti-corruption norms, and comparative jurisprudence, the submission calls for clearer recognition of civil society’s standing in proceedings involving corruption-related human rights violations. It emphasizes that effective anti-corruption enforcement must be participatory, rights-based, and aligned with states’ international obligations.
This report contributes to an evolving global conversation about accountability, victim participation, and the intersection between corruption and human rights.
Readers are encouraged to download and review the full brief for a detailed legal analysis, supporting authorities, and policy implications.
