Corruption Perceptions Index 2023

50 /100 2/3 OF COUNTRIES SCORE BELOW Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems can punish wrongdoing and keep governments in check. When justice is bought or politically interfered with, it is the people that suffer. Leaders should fully invest in and guarantee the independence of institutions that uphold the law and tackle corruption. It is time to end impunity for corruption. François Valérian Chair, Transparency International Photo: Transparency International meant to detect, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate corruption cases. Ongoing under- resourcing of the judiciary, police and other justice institutions, combined with insufficient levels of independence from other branches of government mean that corruption often goes unpunished. In turn, extensive impunity incentivises further wrongdoing at all levels. This ranges from bribery to embezzlement to the organised, complex schemes of grand corruption, which is the abuse of high-level power that causes serious and widespread suffering in societies. The grave societal harm caused by grand corruption makes it a matter of international concern. Grand corruption perpetrators too often benefit from impunity, due to domestic justice systems being “unable or unwilling” to pursue them, whether because of capture, interference or lack of powers, resources and capacity. Those abusing power escape accountability and the widespread harm to victims goes unremedied. The fight for justice and the fight against corruption go hand in hand: where the justice system is unable to uphold the rule of law, corruption thrives. At the same time, where corruption is the norm, access to justice is often hindered for the most vulnerable, and justice institutions may be captured by political, economic or special interest groups. In the most extreme cases, patronage and clientelist networks, many of which transcend national borders, can also use their influence to create impunity for themselves by manipulating legal processes, pushing for selective enforcement, and even altering laws to ensure they are in line with their interests. 6 When justice can be bought by some, others must bear the burden of injustice. Victims of corruption are denied redress for the harm done to them and the government’s ability to fight crime is significantly hindered. 7 Hence, efforts to improve the independence, transparency and effectiveness of justice systems are an investment in human rights and a corruption-free world. At the same time, anti-corruption interventions are key in the global quest for justice. CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2023 5 Embargoed until 07.01am CET (Berlin) 30 January 2024