Where discrimination leads, corruption follows
The week in corruption, 9 July 2021
Image: GrandAve / Shutterstock
Some connections can take time to emerge – but once we see them, they become obvious.
Last week, we shared news following an undercover investigation into sextortion at a Mozambican prison. This disturbing case once again makes it painfully clear that corruption – while it hurts as all – does not affect each of us equally.
Corruption and discrimination have long been recognised as significant barriers to achieving an equal and inclusive future, but both have so far been studied separately. This week, as part of a unique collaboration with the Equal Rights Trust, we released a ground-breaking new study, Defying Exclusion.
We found compelling evidence that discrimination – whether on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or belief – enables and fuels corruption, creating a vicious cycle that deepens inequality
Can corruption be a form of discrimination? Does discrimination open doors for corruption? We have just released the first examination of these crucial questions, in partnership with the Equal Rights Trust and dedicated community groups around the world, featuring the first-hand experiences of people affected by corruption and discrimination.
Dishonest officials know that they are less likely to be held to account when they prey on marginalised communities. In a cruel doubling down, this means people already dealing with structural racism, sexism, state-sponsored homophobia or other forms of discrimination are more likely to be on the receiving end of corrupt demands.
Some forms of corruption even target particular groups: sextortion is one example, with overwhelmingly women victims. The extortion of LGBTQI+ people is another.
We were looked down on, made invisible and denied our rights.
Our study is built around powerful case studies of people who face adversity every day, from gay communities in Russia to Indigenous groups in Guatemala.
We are deeply grateful for their courage in sharing these personal stories. In particular, we want to recognise Forum 18, the Russian LGBT Network and the Kaleidoscope Trust for their vital work, day in and day out, supporting affected people.
We are working to bring these voices to the attention of leaders at a high-level global forum next week. It’s the beginning of a new conversation to recognise that discrimination and corruption are not standalone injustices, but that they are deeply interwoven.
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