Corruption and the Right to Public Services: An Underrated Human Rights Issue

Abstract

Corruption in public service delivery disproportionately affects vulnerable populations by impeding their right to essential services such as health, education, and social welfare. This paper explores corruption as a human rights concern, focusing on Indonesia’s public service sectors. Using empirical evidence from service users, civil society reports, and institutional assessments, the study documents how corrupt practices, including bribery and favoritism, restrict access to quality services and exacerbate social inequalities. The paper argues that framing corruption as a violation of economic and social rights can strengthen legal and policy responses, fostering more inclusive governance. By connecting corruption to human rights discourse, this research advances global debates on accountability and equitable public service provision in developing countries.