Lack of independence of judiciary fosters impunity for the corrupt and powerful – Berlin, 30 January 2024 – The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released today by Transparency International reveals that the judiciary in the Americas is failing to fulfil their crucial role as a check on other branches of government.
The lack of judicial independence undermines the rule of law, promotes corruption and leads to impunity for the corrupt and powerful. With the region’s average score holding at 43 and two-thirds of countries ranking below 50, addressing this issue is imperative for the effective fight against corruption.
Luciana Torchiaro, Americas Regional Advisor of Transparency International:
“Countries across the region should work towards having strong independent judiciaries to bring about accountability and justice. Not doing so erodes the very foundation of democracy and the rule of law. The continued weakening of checks and balances will only foster impunity for both the influential and corrupt, to the detriment of the general public and the collective welfare.”
AMERICAS HIGHLIGHTS
The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Canada (76) and Uruguay (73) are at the top of the regional ranking with more robust checks and balances.
Venezuela (13), Haiti (17) and Nicaragua (17) have the lowest scores in the region, with widespread impunity and lack of independence of the judiciary.
Only two countries, Guyana (40) and Dominican Republic (35), have improved their CPI scores over the past decade, while the others have either stagnated or significantly declined.
For each country’s individual score and changes over time, see the global 2023 CPI page. For in-depth analysis on tr
