The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, joins the international community in observing International Anti-Corruption Day, which is observed annually on 9 December. The 2024 theme is: ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity’. This year’s focus acknowledges the critical role of young people in combating corruption and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency globally. We reaffirm our commitment to addressing corruption, a persistent challenge that undermines democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Corruption is a global challenge with far-reaching implications. It is estimated that it costs the world economy approximately $2.6 trillion annually which is equivalent to over 5% of global GDP. These diverted resources exacerbate poverty, inequality, and human suffering, as funds meant for critical sectors like healthcare and education are lost to corrupt practices. For example, while $40 billion annually could end global hunger by 2030, corruption continues to siphon resources away from this critical goal. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index reveals that more than two-thirds of the countries assessed score below 50 on a scale of 0-100 with 0 being highly corrupt) and 100 being very clean. Notably, conflict-affected countries are ranked at the bottom, with corruption not only resulting from but also perpetuating instability. ​

In Africa, the scourge remains a significant barrier to development and good governance. Public procurement is particularly vulnerable. Experts estimate that the continent loses about $50 billion annually to corruption, money that could significantly advance its development goals. Moreover, corruption disproportionately affects marginalised communities, deepening inequality and limiting access to justice. Addressing this issue is not only a matter of governance, but also a critical human rights concern.

This year’s  theme  underscores the transformative potential of Africa’s youth, who constitute 60% of the continent’s population. Young people are uniquely positioned to challenge the status quo, demand transparency and accountability, and innovate solutions to tackle corruption. Their energy, creativity, and access to digital tools make them powerful agents of change​. Digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance transparency and accountability. Initiatives such as e-governance, open data platforms, and digital financial systems have shown promise in curbing corruption by increasing efficiency and reducing opportunities for malpractice. However, technological advancements also present significant challenges. Emerging threats such as data privacy and security risks, digital manipulation, and cybercrime have created new avenues for corrupt practices. These include digital fraud, unauthorised access to sensitive information, and the spread of disinformation to influence public opinion. Moreover, the wide digital divide on the continent further exacerbates inequality and limits the ability of marginalized groups to benefit from technological advancements.

The Centre for Human Rights’ work integrates research, advocacy, and capacity-building to address corruption from a human rights perspective. Corruption undermines the rule of law, inhibits access to justice, and compromises the delivery of essential services—all critical areas where human rights intersect with governance. We collaborate with governments, civil society, and international organisations to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks. Our focus includes promoting transparency in public processes, leveraging technology for accountability, and supporting young leaders to drive systemic change.

We call on governments, the private sector, civil society, and individuals to unite in the fight against corruption. To achieve meaningful change, we must take bold, collective action. Key steps include:

1. Strengthening legal frameworks: Governments should enact and enforce effective anti-corruption laws, ensuring accountability and transparency at all levels of governance. Legal systems must be impartial and equipped with the necessary tools to investigate, prosecute, and deter corrupt practices effectively.
2. Empowering youth: The next generation plays an important role in reshaping our global culture. By investing in education, leadership development, and the active participation of young people, we can promote a new wave of integrity, innovation, and activism in combating corruption.
3. Leveraging technology: Digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance transparency, improve access to information, and monitor governance. However, they must be used responsibly, with an emphasis on safeguarding data privacy and ensuring equitable access for all.
4. Promoting international cooperation: Corruption is a global issue that requires a unified response. We should strengthen cross-border collaboration, share best practices, and ensure that international frameworks, such as the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, are fully implemented and enforced.

Together, we must build a future where resources are used to benefit the public good, not the interests of the few. Let us shape a world where integrity, transparency, and accountability are not only ideals, but the foundation upon which we build prosperous and just societies for all. Corruption is not an inevitable reality; it is a preventable crime. On this World Anti-Corruption Day, we echo the words of UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner: "United against corruption, we can ensure that our ladder to a better world is unshakeable."

For more information, please contact:

Hlengiwe Dube

Manager: Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit

Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 4199
Fax: +27 (0) 86 580 5743
hlengiwe.dube@up.ac.za

Ivy Gikonyo

Project Officer: Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit

Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 4199
Fax: +27 (0) 86 580 5743
Ivy. Gikonyo@up.ac.za