The CPI and its global analysis
Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index is the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, providing an annual comparative snapshot of 180 countries and territories. The index for 2021 draws on 13 expert assessments and surveys of businesspeople.
The theme of this year’s report from Transparency International is corruption and human rights. More corrupt regimes tend to deliberately suppress the civil and political rights of their citizens, and when these rights are weak, people are less able to tackle corruption.
A decade of the CPI has revealed that, despite concerted efforts and many hard-won gains, two-thirds of countries have a serious corruption problem, with scores below 50. Since 2012, 25 countries have improved their score, but over the same period, 23 countries have dropped. For example, Papua New Guinea has continued to improve its score, and the passing of legislation in November 2020 to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption, can arguably be attributed to that improvement.
‘We know that various forms of corruption exist in all countries, even those with good CPI scores. Many high-scoring, or relatively ‘corruption-free’, countries are safe havens for the world’s dirty money by allowing corrupt leaders to stash their cash there.’ Transparency International and Australian board member, Professor A. J. Brown of Griffith University, said.
‘Corruption is not a victimless crime. It disproportionately impacts marginalised communities, undermines human rights, and can damage the natural environment, such as when dodgy planning deals are done. In short, corruption threatens the health of our democracy.’ Said Serena Lillywhite.
‘Many of the anti-corruption successes in recent history have been due to the tireless, coordinated efforts of ordinary people, who have taken great personal risks to make change happen. Ensuring individuals, civil society and social movements have the right to speak up and hold power to account is vital to protecting the health of democracies worldwide.’
