Governments across the globe are grappling with corruption, according to a recent report by Transparency International (TI). The report, known as the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), evaluates 180 countries and territories on the perceived levels of public sector corruption, assigning cardinal ratings that range from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
In 2023, for the twelfth consecutive year, the CPI global average remained at 43, with over two-thirds of the countries and territories recording less than 50. TI stated that these results indicate serious corruption concerns. The 2023 CPI highlighted that 23 countries had reached their lowest scores and a majority saw either a decline or no progress over the last decade.
These findings resonate with TI’s 2023 Rule of Law Index published last year, which disclosed a deterioration of the rule of law in a majority of countries. The report reinforces a ‘clear connection between access to justice and corruption,’ with countries scoring low in the Rule of Law Index often showing similar results in the CPI.
The CPI report for 2023 ranks Somalia at the bottom, with a score of 11. Other countries with low rankings include Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen. TI also identified certain countries for closer watch, including Guatemala, which scored just 23. Reports indicate that the prosecution of anti-corruption advocates in Guatemala has hindered the state’s capacity to combat corruption. The recently elected President Bernardo Arevalo is expected to dismantle these ‘corruption networks.’ The report also featured Ukraine, which has maintained an upward trajectory in the CPI for 11 years despite its conflict with Russia, which presents increased corruption risks.
Meanwhile, at the height of the list stands Denmark, dominating the ranking for the sixth consecutive year with a score of 90 out of 100. Finland and New Zealand closely follow Denmark, and all three also topped the 2023 rule of law index. Yet, TI notes that even among the high-scoring nations, there are multiple opportunities for betterment in 2024. TI posits that it is paramount for the proposed anti-money laundering reforms to be approved in several top-scoring countries, thereby preventing corrupt persons from concealing wealth in these nations. Further, the organization suggests that countries with lower scores should enforce anti-bribery rules and develop new strategies to fight transnational corruption.
“Corruption exacerbates social injustice and disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable,” stated Daniel Eriksson, CEO of TI. He emphasized the necessity to eradicate obstacles and ensure that people can access justice effectively.
This article is based on a report found on JURIST – News.