Fighting corruption through the UPR: insights from Madagascar
Corruption continues to be a significant barrier to human rights, social justice, and sustainable development worldwide.
Transparency International’s initiatives in Madagascar serve as a powerful example of how civil society organizations (CSOs) can leverage the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process to advocate for anti-corruption reforms and safeguard human rights defenders.
In Madagascar, corruption affects nearly every aspect of public life, eroding trust in institutions and limiting access to essential services. Transparency International has been actively involved in combating corruption, but they’ve faced numerous challenges, especially in protecting human rights defenders. These individuals, often on the front lines of exposing corruption, are frequently targeted for harassment, intimidation, and violence.
In the latest UPR cycle, Transparency International successfully submitted a report detailing specific human rights concerns tied to corruption, such as lack of transparency in public procurement and inadequate protections for activists. By participating in the UPR process, they were able to bring these issues to the attention of the international community and encourage other UN member states to make targeted recommendations to the government. These recommendations focused on strengthening anti-corruption laws, ensuring transparency in governance, and providing adequate protections for whistleblowers and activists. This direct engagement in the UPR enabled Transparency International to elevate their concerns on a global platform and create additional pressure for a change within the country.
CSOs can also leverage the UPR to build coalitions and mobilize local and international support. This is especially important in contexts where human rights defenders face significant risks, as it helps amplify their voices and increase their protection. When the international community scrutinizes a country's record and calls for concrete actions, it can empower local activists and provide them with a layer of security and legitimacy.
UNCAC Coalition
This case of Madagascar was shared during our informative session on October 3rd, where we collaborated with the UNCAC Coalition—a dedicated association for the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption. The online event provided a platform for discussing effective strategies to harness UNCAC recommendations to enhance advocacy within the UPR framework.
Good Practice
The experience from Transparency International illustrates how the UPR can serve as a strategic tool for advocacy. For CSOs, the UPR is a valuable opportunity to highlight corruption issues and push for meaningful reforms. By participating in the UPR, organizations like Transparency International can submit stakeholders reports, engage in advocacy efforts, and work with other UN member states to propose and endorse recommendations that address specific corruption challenges.
While the UPR primarily focuses on human rights, it is inherently linked to broader development goals, such as those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Anti-corruption efforts are crucial for achieving targets like reduced inequalities, improved governance, and sustainable economic growth. By integrating anti-corruption measures into the UPR process, CSOs can not only promote human rights but also contribute to wider development objectives.