Dr Annelie De Man, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Advocacy Division at the Free State Centre for Human Rights (FSCHR) within the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been invited to join the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Working Group on Human Rights and Corruption. 

Dr De Man was invited to join the Working Group in April 2025 by Betina Pasteknik, Head of Operations and Working Groups, and Co-Chair of the UNCAC Coalition Working Group on Human Rights and Corruption – marking the start of an open-ended contribution to the global anti-corruption and human rights discourse.

This Working Group brings together civil society leaders, activists, and academics to share experiences, build strategies, and push for stronger laws and policies to address the intersection of corruption and human rights.

Contributing to global conversations

Dr De Man describes the appointment as an opportunity to both learn from and contribute to a powerful international network that works at the intersection of human rights and corruption. “I was pleased that I will have access to a platform where I can share my work and learn from prominent individuals and organisations working in the area of human rights and corruption,” she said.

She sees the Working Group as a space for academic growth and international collaboration that will ultimately feed back into her work at the FSCHR. “The Working Group allows me to expand my academic knowledge on the impact of corruption on human rights, as well as learn from experts how corruption that violates human rights can be addressed. I also have the opportunity to build connections with relevant organisations and academics across the globe.”

Advocating for justice in local communities

Her work at the FSCHR, which often focuses on access to justice in vulnerable communities, has laid the groundwork for this type of global engagement. “As the coordinator of the Advocacy Division of the Centre, this opportunity allows me to advocate for changes in laws, policies, and redress mechanisms to address the daily struggles faced by our surrounding communities.”

She hopes to bring to the Working Group real-life insights from South Africa – where corruption directly affects people’s ability to access essential services like healthcare and education. “Corruption is an everyday reality for many living in South Africa … I can bring attention to the experiences of the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society and thereby garner support in advocating for necessary reforms.”

Corruption as a human rights issue

Dr De Man believes addressing corruption through a human rights lens can open new avenues for redress and reform. “Where a person is, for example, required to pay a bribe to access a healthcare facility, fulfilment and protection of the right to health is in jeopardy,” she said. “By reformulating certain corrupt acts as impediments to or violations of human rights, new redress mechanisms to combat corruption can become available.”

Looking ahead, she is eager to strengthen her expertise in this area and use it to advance positive change in South Africa and beyond. “I look forward to expanding my knowledge in this area, which I can employ to effect change in how corruption is perceived and, accordingly, addressed in South Africa.”

A proud moment for the FSCHR

Prof Danie Brand, Director of the FSCHR, described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Dr De Man’s leadership in the field.

He said the invitation also reflects positively on the Centre’s broader work, which has included hosting international conferences in partnership with institutions like the United Nations on the right to development in Africa.

“Annelie’s work on corruption and human rights is an extension of that. The recognition that her appointment indicates can also be seen as recognition of the Centre’s work concerning this.”