Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 - Executive Summary

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 06:01 CET, 28 JANUARY 2020 COUNTRIES TO WATCH Peru With a score of 38, Peru improves two points, but remains relatively stagnant on the index since 2012. Investigations of corruption cases and the recent approval of crucial anti-corruption laws offer some improvements. Specifically, two laws provide hope. One prevents people Honduras With a score of 24, Honduras declines by two points to reach a new low on the CPI. In the last year, Honduras was devastated by both COVID-19 and the 2020 hurricane season, and continues to suffer from high levels of poverty and inequality. Peru faces structural corruption, 29 impunity and political instability. 30 In less than five years, the country has rejected four presidents, three of whom are under investigation for corruption. In Honduras, transparency is paramount for a successful recovery from COVID-19 and natural disasters. found guilty of corruption from applying to public positions or being designated to positions of trust. 26 The second improves transparency, accountability and integrity in political financing. 27 The presidential elections scheduled for April 2021 present an opportunity to end impunity and hold power to account in Peru, where social discontent with corruption, COVID-19 and the resulting economic crisis 28 remains high. Investigations of high-level political leaders and prominent businesspeople should be brought to trial and sentences confirmed as appropriate, to maintain public trust. Weak institutions contribute to a lack of disaster preparedness 31 and a uniform economy creates an overdependence on agriculture and natural resources for income. 32 The status of anti-corruption efforts is similarly grim. The country lost millions to corruption in the last decade 33 and experienced significant setbacks in the fight against impunity with the termination of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras, run by the Organization of American States. 34 Congress also approved a series of laws 35 that promote corruption and hinder investigations. 36 Reports reveal an alarming lack of planning in the country’s COVID-19 related purchases, 37 over-pricing of medical equipment and opaque contractual arrangements 38 in the procurement process for field hospitals. Photo: © Musuk Nolte Photo: Peg Hunter / CC BY-NC 2.0 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020 13