Global anti-corruption efforts are faltering, partly due to a 'decline in justice,' survey finds
The latest annual Corruption Perceptions Index says efforts to fight public sector corruption are faltering and blames in part a “global decline in justice and the rule of law since 2016.”
BERLIN (AP) — Efforts to fight public sector corruption are faltering around the world, in part because a “global decline in justice and the rule of law since 2016," according to a corruption index released Tuesday.
Transparency International, which compiles the annual Corruption Perceptions Index, found 23 countries at their worst level since the global ranking began almost three decades ago, including both high-ranking democracies and authoritarian states.
On the reported decline in justice, the group said that “the rise of authoritarianism in some countries contributes to this trend, and even in democratic contexts, the mechanisms that keep governments in check have weakened.”
“Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems can punish wrongdoing and keep governments in check," Transparency International chair François Valérian said in a statement. He added that "leaders should fully invest in and guarantee the independence of institutions that uphold the law and tackle corruption.”
