Integrity and Redress
Human Rights
“Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.” United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 30
“Congress shall make no law...abridging…the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States of America, Amendment I
Corruption, unethical conduct, and conflicts of interest by public figures and organizations, especially those in positions of authority and power, should be exposed and held accountable.
The right to dissent and to seek redress are essential human rights invoking freedom of speech, the right to equal treatment, and the right to fair process. Conversely, suppression of dissent and denial of the right to impartial redress constitutes an egregious abuse of power.
The right to redress, often associated with the broader concept of access to justice, is a fundamental principle in both national and international law. It refers to the right of an individual to receive a remedy for a harm suffered, typically due to the violation of their rights or legal norms. Key aspects of the right to redress include the following:
Recognition in International Law: The right to redress is recognized in various international human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These documents assert that individuals have the right to an effective remedy when their rights are violated.
Types of Redress: Redress can take various forms, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. The appropriate form of redress often depends on the nature of the harm and the rights violated.
Restitution: This aims to restore the victim to the original situation before the violation occurred. It can include the restoration of freedom, employment, properties, or rights.
Compensation: Victims may be entitled to financial compensation for any economically assessable damage resulting from the violation, such as physical or mental harm, lost opportunities, material damages, and legal costs.
Rehabilitation: This includes medical and psychological care as well as legal and social services to help victims recover from harm suffered.
Satisfaction and Guarantees of Non-Repetition: These measures may include public apologies, public memorials, assurances that the violation will not recur, and changes in state laws and practices to prevent future violations.
Access to Judicial Remedies: Central to the right to redress is access to impartial and competent judicial mechanisms capable of rendering enforceable remedies. Victims should be able to present their cases and receive prompt and fair hearings.
Administrative and Legislative Remedies: Apart from judicial remedies, redress may also involve administrative measures or legislative changes, particularly in cases of systemic or widespread violations.
Non-Discrimination in Redress: Efforts to obtain redress should be accessible to all, without discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or other status.
Role of National and International Bodies: While the primary responsibility for providing redress lies with national governments, international bodies (like human rights tribunals) can also play a role, especially where national systems are inadequate or have failed to provide justice.
Challenges: Victims often face challenges in exercising their right to redress, including lack of awareness of their rights, financial barriers, fear of reprisals, or ineffective legal systems.
Preventive Aspect: The right to redress also has a preventive aspect, as the prospect of being held accountable and having to provide redress can deter potential violators.
The right to redress is a vital component of the legal system and human rights framework, ensuring that individuals can seek and obtain a remedy when their rights are violated. It is fundamental for upholding justice, accountability, and the rule of law.