Results for Transparency International

Injustice, insecurity and inequality all stem from corruption in governments around the world, according to a Transparency International Defence and Security (TI-DS) released this month. "Corruption is a rallying cry, an enabler and a key modus operandi for IS. ...The failure to grasp this undermines efforts to tackle the rise of violent extremism.” While Tonga is far from breeding the likes of IS, it should be reminded of the consequences of what corrupt activities and the inequalities that stem from it can lead to in the future.

Out of 176 countries listed in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2016 (excluding Tonga) an alarming 69 per cent scored below 50, on a scale from 0 (perceived highly corruptible) to 100 (perceived as very clean). The high level of corruption and inequality is leading to a rise in populist politicians and democracies in decline. “We do not have the luxury of time. Corruption needs to be fought with urgency, so that the lives of people across the world improve,” said José Ugaz, Chair of Transparency International.

People put their trust in those they have elected into government to manage their money and to provide public services, and therefore government must have integrity, transparency and accountability, said Madam Huguette Labelle, the Transparency International global chairperson, at the University of the South Pacific campus, Suva, on February 4. By Pesi Fonua