Loss of momentum in anti-corruption efforts also decreases public trust
Berlin, 30 January 2024 – The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released today by Transparency International shows that widespread corruption in Arab States significantly undermines progress in the region. Despite countries making commitments to combat corruption, governments often renounce these pledges, ultimately jeopardising fundamental rights such as health and education. In many instances, this poses a threat even to people’s right to life.
Most Arab States have failed to improve their positions on the CPI in the last ten years. Seven Arab States are included in the bottom ten CPI scorers, and 80 per cent of the countries live in conflict and witness both social and political instability. The Arab States have an average score of 34 out of 100, demonstrating the long road ahead in assuring integrity and justice throughout the region.
Kinda Hattar, Middle East and North Africa Regional Advisor of Transparency International said:
“Across the region, pervasive corruption impedes progress, while deepening social and structural injustices. Despite a desire to address these issues, a lack of consistent commitment to anti-corruption measures fosters distrust between governments and citizens, fuelling political instability, reinforcing inequalities and escalating conflicts.”
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA 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).
The Arab States’ average dropped this year to an all-time low of 34.
The top scorers among the Arab States are the United Arab Emirates (68) and Qatar (58).
War-torn Libya (18), Yemen (16) and Syria (13) score the worst.
Qatar (58) and Egypt (35) have hit their lowest scores since different years’ CPI results became comparable in 2012.
For each country’s individual score and changes over time, see the global 2023 CPI page. For in-depth analysis on tr
