NASSAU, BAHAMAS — July 8, 2025 — The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) welcomes the adoption of a landmark resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council recognizing the harmful impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights.
The resolution, adopted at the Council’s 59th session, marks a significant step forward for the global anti-corruption agenda and affirms the connection between corruption and the erosion of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
This reflects priorities that ORG and its partners have long championed, and ORG is proud to have signed on to a petition supporting this earlier this year. The resolution presents a valuable opportunity for countries like The Bahamas to deepen efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The resolution calls for a comprehensive study by the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee to provide clear and practical guidelines on how States can fulfill their human rights obligations while preventing and combating corruption. This study will be informed by broad consultation with international organizations, civil society, national institutions, and other key stakeholders—ensuring that diverse perspectives, including those from small island states like The Bahamas, are represented.
In addition to encouraging stronger international collaboration, the resolution invites UN Human Rights Council mechanisms to consider the impact of corruption within their ongoing mandates. It also stresses the need for greater policy coherence across UN bodies in Geneva, Vienna, and New York on issues related to corruption and human rights.
Matt Aubry, ORG’s Executive Director, praised the resolution as a step forward in recognizing the interdependence between good governance and the protection of human rights.
“This resolution reinforces the reality that corruption isn’t just a technical or legal issue—it directly affects people’s quality of life, access to services, and trust in public systems. It validates the work many of us in The Bahamas have been doing to support more responsive, transparent, and participatory governance.”
Mr Aubry added: “We see this as an important affirmation that efforts to improve access to public information, protect whistle-blowers, and engage civil society are not just good policy—they are human rights priorities.”
The resolution also highlights the critical role of civil society, journalists, educators, and national human rights institutions in raising awareness and promoting education on the impact of corruption. It urges States to create safe and enabling environments for these actors, recognizing them as essential partners in sustainable, people-centered development.
As The Bahamas prepares to participate in global platforms like the 11th Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption this December, ORG stands ready to support national efforts to align with the resolution’s goals. From strengthening local institutions to fostering community-level awareness, ORG remains committed to working alongside government, civil society, and international partners to advance reforms that promote equity, integrity, and inclusive development.
For more information about ORG’s work in governance reform and anti-corruption advocacy, visit www.orgbahamas.com.
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ORG Communications
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