Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 - Executive Summary

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 06:01 CET, 28 JANUARY 2020 COUNTRIES TO WATCH Vanuatu With a score of 43, Vanuatu remains stagnant on the CPI. Highly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters, it was hit the hardest by Cyclone Harold at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its independence in 1980, Vanuatu has been politically Myanmar With a score of 28, Myanmar is a significant improver on the CPI, increasing 13 points since 2012. Investigations of high-level officials and the implementation of legal and institutional reforms 46 point to some progress in the country’s anti-corruption efforts In Vanuatu, strong political will is one of the most important factors in addressing corruption and improving transparency and accountability. The protection of human rights in Myanmar, including freedoms of speech, assembly and association, is a critical foundation for good governance and integrity. volatile, with frequent motions of no confidence filed against the government. 42 The former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai was the first to complete a full four-year term in office in more than a decade. Political instability 43 has contributed to an environment rife with bribery, nepotism, and misappropriation of funds. In a positive development, the country is taking steps to engage citizens in public service delivery 44 with the aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness. However, implementation of the necessary legal, policy, and anti-corruption frameworks remains a challenge. For example, difficulties with the implementation of a right to information law 45 highlights concerns over timely fulfilment of information requests. and an increased political will to combat graft. A recent report, Global Corruption Barometer - Asia 47 , found that an overwhelming number of Myanmar citizens think their government is doing a good job in tackling corruption, and that ordinary people can make a difference in the fight against corruption. However, despite these improvements, there are legal and structural gaps that hinder anti-corruption efforts. In addition, the military continues to act with impunity 48 and the government does little to protect human rights, 49 including freedoms of expression and assembly. Photo: Chaton Chokpatara / Shutterstock.com Photo: ITU/R.Farrell / CC BY 2.0 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2020 15