Corruption Perceptions Index 2021

Corruption and impunity make it unsafe for people to speak up and demand justice. Ninety-eight per cent of the 331 murders of human rights defenders in 2020 occurred in countries with high levels of public sector corruption, as shown by a CPI score of below 45. At least 20 of these cases were human rights defenders specifically focusing on anti- corruption issues . 26 CORRUPTION AND MURDERS OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS Highly corrupt countries account for almost all murdered human rights defenders around the world. Corruption in law enforcement and the judiciary, as well as impunity for serious crimes, contribute to a dangerous climate . 27 Nicaragua Nicaragua has dropped 9 points in the index since 2012, to a low of just 20. The long-serving president, Daniel Ortega, has responded to corruption allegations with a crackdown on media, civic space and oversight institutions. Nicaragua’s scores on the Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association and Access to Justice indices have now dropped to record lows . 28 Philippines With a score of 33, the Philippines is a significant decliner, having lost 5 points since 2014. Since the election of Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines has also seen a sharp decline in freedom of association and freedom of expression, making it harder to speak up about corruption . 29 In 2020, it was the country with the second highest number of murdered human rights defenders, with a total of 25 deaths . 30 Azerbaijan Azerbaijan has remained in the bottom third of the CPI since 2012, its score oscillating between 25 and 30. In 2017, the Azerbaijani Laundromat investigatio n 31 revealed how a vast slush fund financed the regime’s reputation laundering by making payments – mostly through Danske Bank – to politicians across Europe, while jailing outspoken opposition and media figures at home. = 1 murdered human rights defender = country with CPI ≤ 45 = country with CPI > 45 TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 10