"Corruption in the institutions of governance derogates human dignity and adversely affects people in many ways, violating their human rights. Corruption negates good governance," he said, here while addressing a programme to mark International Human Rights Day.
"The quality of governance determines the realisation of the human rights of people. The right to corruption-free governance, particularly in developing nations, must be a basic human right upon which the other rights depend," Paul said.
A society can prosper and grow only by protecting people's rights as human beings and individuals, Paul said.
"On this occasion we must remind ourselves that we need to uphold the trust and faith that common man places in us to make dignified and respectable life a reality," he said.
Referring to the horrors of the two World Wars, the Governor said, it had been realised that peace and freedom in the true sense could be achieved only if the inherent dignity of every individual is respected and a commitment is shown towards establishing social, political and economic orders that are fair and just for all.
"This declaration is a reference document from which all subsequent human rights legal instruments have evolved till date and it stands as a beacon for the global community on the standards it should set for the defence and promotion of human rights, Paul said.
He stated that India had been unambiguous in its commitment towards preservation and protection of human rights globally as well as within the country since pre-Independence days.