Corruption has a direct impact on the defence of human rights. First, it deprives societies of significant resources that could be used to meet basic needs in public health, education, infrastructure or security. Second, it has direct negative consequences for the functioning of State institutions, in general, and for those organs responsible for ensuring the rule of law and the administration of justice, in particular.

In his first report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that corruption and organized crime are undermining the rule of law and the capacity of States to promote systems of governance accountable to and compliant with human rights standards. Corruption also undermines the ability of the judiciary to guarantee the protection of human rights and directly or indirectly impedes the discharge of the professional functions of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other legal professionals. Corruption also has a devastating effect on the entire judicial system, as it diminishes the confidence of citizens in the administration of justice.