Corruption directly or indirectly affects individuals and societies, regardless of the context and stage of development in any country. It can be present throughout different shapes and nuances by intensifying disparities in the most vulnerable people. It can cause detrimental effects on the enjoyment of Human Rights and set hurdles for their promotion and protection.

Because of the universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent, and mutually reinforcing nature of Human Rights, corruption can trigger a domino effect on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights by weakening the rule of law, good governance at all levels, and hampering transparent, effective, and accountable institutions, among other consequences. Likewise, they can reduce resources available to cover needs and root vicious cycles towards immoral and unlawful practices. Therefore, mainstreaming knowledge about this problem pursues the transformation of discriminatory social institutions, laws, cultural norms, and community practices, such as those limiting access and the full enjoyment of Human Rights.