Corruption Perception Index 2023

In the 20 years since the adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), 190 countries have united under it to stop corruption. However, they are largely failing to achieve this – over 80 per cent of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI scores below the global average of 43.

In addition, the top 25 countries in the index make up just over 10 per cent of all people. Corruption therefore remains a challenge that directly or indirectly harms most people. The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public-sector corruption according to experts and business people. It relies on 13 independent data sources and uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean

The United Nations Convention against Corruption requires governments to strengthen integrity and prevent opportunities for corruption among members of the judiciary and prosecution services, 8 while maintaining their independence.9 This explicit focus on the justice system is not surprising, given that it plays a vital role in applying anti-corruption legislation, protecting rights and guaranteeing the rule of law.

Corruption worsens social injustice and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. In many countries, obstacles to justice for victims of corruption persist. It is time to break the barriers and ensure people can access justice effectively. Everyone deserves fair and inclusive legal systems where victims’ voices are heard at every stage. Anything else is an affront to justice.
Daniel Eriksson
Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International