Corruption and Human Right Violation

For what reasons does Corruption Happen? And how to minimize them?

                           

30th Sep, 2023

Early morning, I attended a session where the topic of discussion was “Corruption”. In the same session, we had a speaker who started with a question “Can you name any country or any place in the world where there is no shadow of corruption?”. The question itself was not hard but it really got me to thinking when none of the 50+ attendants could answer that simple question.

I researched thoroughly about the causes for why corruption happens and what steps can be taken to control them.

Some common reasons for Corruption:

1.    Absence of strict laws

Law plays a vital role in controlling any kind of corruption in a given place or country. A country which has no strict laws against corruption is likely to attract corruption more.

2. Lack of moral education

A person may not understand the consequences of their actions when there is lack of moral education in them. They are more vulnerable to corruption and may not know the importance of integrity.

3. Political Corruption

This is one of the global issues. There have been thousands of cases where an individual has been found taking or giving bribes in order to gain power, to get their dishonorable jobs done or to have financial gain.

4.   Greed and Ambition

When people want things more than they can have or need, they may succumb to corruption. Excessive greed and unchecked ambition can lead an individual to become corrupt regardless of the legal or ethical implications.

5. Financial crisis

Few reports have suggested that people going through financial hardship perceive corrupt activities as an easier and faster way to alleviate their economic challenges which makes them more susceptible to corruption.

Steps to be taken to minimize corruption:

1.     Implementing strict laws against corruption. We should increase the establishment of independent anti-corruption agencies with adequate powers.

2.     Promoting Oversight and Accountability. We should encourage whistleblowing and ensure the safety of whistleblowers from retaliation.

3.   Should emphasize transparency in all government processes and decision making. E-government platforms can also be used to increase transparency.

4.    Raising of awareness campaigns highlighting the effect or consequences of corruption should be done time and again.

5.     Social media platforms should be used to amplify anti-corruption messages and initiatives.

By implementing these steps, I believe we can see a significant decrement in the world corruption rate.