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Impunity Reigns Supreme: Paraguay Ranks Among Countries with Highest Impunity Rates
Paraguay has been ranked among the countries with the highest impunity rates, according to a recent report by the Global Impunity Index. The country’s lack of diligent investigations and failure to hold perpetrators accountable has created an environment where corruption thrives.
Corruption Goes Unchecked
The report highlights that without effective measures to combat corruption, the private sector remains plagued by conflicts of interest and revolving doors. The lack of regulatory development on these issues means that corrupt practices can go unchecked.
Money Laundering Remains a Major Concern
Paraguay is also ranked among countries with high exposure to money laundering. Despite recent regulatory changes, the country’s institutions are insufficiently equipped to combat this crime, which has become increasingly transnational.
Asset Recovery Falls Short
The asset recovery policy in Paraguay is currently focused on using asset forfeiture in criminal cases, rather than addressing social damage caused by corruption. The judicial sphere is also criticized for not prioritizing investigations into assets and corrupt practices.
Key Recommendations
To combat corruption and impunity, the report recommends:
- Ensuring active participation of civil society in the fight against corruption
- Reducing bureaucratization of public services and improving transparency
- Criminalizing abuse of functions and money laundering
- Making public all sworn asset declarations
- Approving integrity and prevention of conflicts of interest laws
- Protecting whistleblowers
- Strengthening investigative bodies and coordination mechanisms
- Promoting international cooperation in asset recovery
A Call to Action
The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder that corruption remains a significant challenge for Paraguay. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to strengthen institutions, improve transparency, and promote accountability. The people of Paraguay deserve better than an environment where corruption goes unchecked.
Sources:
- Global Impunity Index
- Semillas para la Democracia report on UNCAC implementation in Paraguay