# Defying Exclusion: Stories and Insights on the Links between Discrimination and Corruption URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/defying-exclusion-corruption-discrimination Type: Publication or report Published: 2021-07-06 Updated: 2021-07-12 --- 06 July 2021 Corruption and discrimination are each major obstacles to the achievement of sustainable and inclusive development. Until now they have largely been understood in isolation from each other. For the first time, this report identifies and explores the direct, causal relationship and interconnection between them. Discrimination and corruption enable and exacerbate each other in four distinct ways: **1**. Discrimination can result in greater exposure to corruption. **2**. Certain forms of corruption are inherently discriminatory. **3**. Discrimination can mean that corruption has a disproportionate impact on certain groups. **4**. Discrimination presents barriers to challenging corruption, while corruption can obstruct victims of discrimination from accessing justice. We present evidence through chapters examining the links between discrimination and corruption on the basis of different grounds of discrimination: age; sex; sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; race and ethnicity; and religion or belief. It is clear that states must recognise the connections between discrimination and corruption and take immediate, targeted and effective actions to tackle these linked problems. Additionally, civil society, regional and international organisations can and should contribute to improving understanding of the problems arising from discriminatory corruption and countering its effects. ## Additional downloads - [Download '2021 Defying exclusion Report accessible EN' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/TI-ERT_Defying-Exclusion_web-accessible-v2.pdf) ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Breaking the Silos: A Practical Guide to Fighting Corruption with a Human Rights-Based Approach](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/breaking-the-silos-a-practical-guide-to-fighting-corruption-with-a-human-rights-based-approach) Publication • 25 June 2026 This guide seeks to equip human rights defenders and anti-corruption advocates with practical tools to promote accountability for corrupt acts. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Strengthening Public Oversight: Good practices for partnerships between civil society and supreme audit institutions](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/strengthening-public-oversight-good-practices-for-partnerships-between-civil-society-and-supreme-audit-institutions) Publication • 29 May 2026 Stronger collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions and Civil Society Organisations is needed for better public financial oversight. ## Priorities - [Gender](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/gender-and-corruption) - [Land corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/land-corruption) - [Sustainable Development Goals](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/sustainable-development-goals) ## Countries - [Madagascar](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/madagascar) - [Russia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/russia) - [Nigeria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/nigeria) - [United Kingdom](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-kingdom) - [Kenya](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/kenya) - [Uzbekistan](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/uzbekistan) - [Hungary](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/hungary) - [Guatemala](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/guatemala) - [Papua New Guinea](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/papua-new-guinea) ## Regions - [Global](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/global) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/DefyingExclusion_Cover_Page_001.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2021-Defying-exclusion-Report-v2-EN.pdf)