Denmark is cited as the least corrupt country in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, while India falls to 96th place. The report reveals stagnant global corruption scores, particularly troubling declines in Western nations. Corruption remains a major challenge, affecting democratic stability and climate change efforts. South Sudan and Somalia occupy the lowest ranks, underscoring the widespread issue of corruption worldwide.
In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Denmark has been recognized as the least corrupt country worldwide for the second consecutive year, achieving a score of 90. Following closely behind are Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand. Conversely, India experienced a decline in its ranking, falling to 96th from 93rd with a score of 38 out of 100, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating public sector corruption.
The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories based on perceived public sector corruption levels, relying on assessments from experts and businesspeople. The scale ranges from 0 (indicating high corruption) to 100 (indicating very low corruption). India’s score of 38 underscores persistent issues in addressing corruption within its public sector, particularly when compared to its South Asian neighbors such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China, which also hold low rankings in the index.
The report notes that the global average corruption score remains stagnant at 43, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Transparency International cautions that despite some progress in certain nations, such as Ukraine, corruption levels persist at alarmingly high rates, posing significant obstacles to global challenges including climate change and human rights violations.
Additionally, the CPI 2024 report indicates a worrying decline in corruption scores among various Western nations. For instance, the United States dropped from 69 points to 65, moving from 24th to 28th place. Similarly, France and Germany also recorded declines, with France losing four points while Germany dropped three points, landing in 15th place alongside Canada.
Countries plagued by authoritarian regimes continue to exhibit deteriorating corruption levels, with Russia experiencing a four-point decline to a score of 22 due to its actions in Ukraine. Nonetheless, Ukraine demonstrated some positive changes, particularly in judicial independence and efforts to prosecute high-level corruption, despite experiencing a slight decrease to a score of 35.
South Sudan and Somalia remain at the bottom of the index, reflected in scores of 8 and 9, respectively. Venezuela and Syria are also categorized among the most corrupt nations with scores of 10 and 12. Transparency International affirms that corruption impedes economic development and presents a serious threat to democracy, stability, and human rights, emphasizing an urgent need for action to combat corruption.
Moreover, the report highlights the adverse effects of corruption on climate change mitigation efforts, noting that the misuse of climate funds and undue private sector influence can obstruct crucial environmental policies. “Corruption in climate action leads to environmental damage, as funds intended for vital mitigation and adaptation efforts are stolen or misused,” the report emphasizes. The integrity of climate efforts is crucial to providing necessary support for vulnerable populations globally.
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals significant disparities in corruption levels across countries, with Denmark ranking as the least corrupt and India experiencing a decline. Widespread corruption remains a critical issue globally, particularly in South Asia and Western nations, with alarming implications for democracy and development. Immediate action is needed to combat corruption and protect vital efforts against climate change.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
