Corruption and Governance Issues: A Global Concern
The State of Corruption Around the World
Corruption and governance issues are widespread, affecting various countries across different regions. In this article, we will examine some key points on these issues in Vanuatu, Myanmar, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and highlight several countries that require close attention.
Vanuatu: Addressing Corruption and Improving Governance
While Vanuatu has made efforts to engage citizens in public service delivery, there is still a need for strong political will to address corruption and improve transparency and accountability. The country’s implementation of necessary legal, policy, and anti-corruption frameworks remains a challenge.
Myanmar: Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Efforts
In Myanmar, the protection of human rights, including freedoms of speech, assembly, and association, is crucial for good governance and integrity. Despite some improvements, there are still significant gaps in laws and structures that hinder anti-corruption efforts. The military’s continued impunity and the government’s lack of action to protect human rights are major concerns.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia: A Region Struggling with Corruption
This region has an average score of 36 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), making it one of the lowest-performing regions in terms of governance. While countries like Georgia (56), Armenia (49), and Belarus (47) show some improvement, others such as Uzbekistan (26), Tajikistan (25), and Turkmenistan (19) struggle with widespread corruption.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed ongoing governance and structural problems, highlighted widespread corruption, and exacerbated social discontent in the region.
Countries to Watch
- Serbia: Dropped one point on the CPI due to serious rule-of-law issues, democratic erosion, and efforts to silence critical voices.
- Belarus: Improved significantly on the CPI, jumping 16 points since 2012, but faced protests against contested presidential election results in 2020.
Conclusion
The text highlights the need for strong political will, effective governance, and protection of human rights to combat corruption and improve transparency and accountability. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the lives of citizens worldwide.