Corruption is not a human right

International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day are observed on December 9 and 10, respectively. There is a crucial link between the two observances. For one, corruption is found in both public and private organizations. It is carried out by human beings that will result to the rights and privileges of others being compromised. The CPI or Corruption Perceptions Index defines corruption as an “abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. Corruption erodes the trust we have in the public sector for it wastes our taxes. Hence, the poor quality services or infrastructure.

On the other hand, human rights are a set of rights that are given to every human being regardless of gender, race, creed, religion, nation, location, or economic status. Human rights are said to be moral principles that illustrate certain standards of human behavior.

But as we observe in the world today, corruption is rampant and prevalent. Those moral principles are not practiced anymore whether in the church, school, workplace, or in the home. Thereby making it a right to corrupt for personal gain.

As we celebrate the international anti-corruption day and human rights day, let us pray for every human being who is into corrupt activities to remember that corruption is never a human right.