Enhancing Human Rights through Anti-Corruption and Good Governance

Author : Dr. Grace Ayodele Arowolo

Abstract : The nexus between corruption, good governance, and human rights has become a central concern in contemporary political and legal discourse. Corruption, in its various manifestations systematically erodes democratic institutions and undermines the rule of law. It perpetuates structural inequalities, thereby impeding the realisation of fundamental rights particularly those related to equality, access to justice, health, and education, thereby contravening the provisions of international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966). Conversely, good governance, anchored in principles of accountability, transparency, participation, and legality, provides the institutional basis necessary for the protection and promotion of human dignity and the enforcement of fundamental human rights. This paper critically examines how anti-corruption measures, when integrated into governance frameworks, serve as catalysts for advancing human rights. Drawing on global initiatives such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (2003) and the Sustainable Development Goals,2015 (particularly Goals 10 and 16 on reduced inequalities, peace, justice, and strong institutions), the study emphasises the imperative of embedding anti-corruption strategies within human rights policies to foster equitable access to resources, strengthen public trust, ensure transparency, accountability, participation and inclusive development as indispensable pillars of governance. Through comparative analysis of case studies from some jurisdictions, the research demonstrates that combating corruption is not merely an administrative reform but a normative obligation essential to the consolidation of democratic governance and the realisation of social justice. Ultimately, the paper argues that the synergy between anti-corruption and good governance constitutes a foundational pathway toward the effective enhancement of human rights.

Keywords : Human rights, Good Governance, Anti-Corruption, Transparency, Democracy, UN conventions.

Conference Name : International Conference on Corruption, Good Governance, and Human Rights (ICGGHR-26)

Conference Place : Manchester, UK

Conference Date : 15th Sep 2026