The Transparency International organization, a leader in the fight against corruption, announced the results of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023 in all countries today at 7:01 AM local time. Lebanon scored 24/100, ranking 149 out of 180 countries assessed, marking its lowest score for three consecutive years, which confirms the urgent need to address the situation and implement corrective measures. Throughout 2024, the organization will conduct a comprehensive study on the critical link between corruption and injustice, with a strong call for substantive reforms to tackle the underlying causes of this pervasive issue.
Transparency International - Lebanon will draw attention to critical aspects that must be addressed this year to tackle the root causes of corruption and injustice and address major issues, including the following:
- **Immediate Implementation of the Right to Access Information Law**: We urge the Lebanese government to immediately implement the Right to Access Information Law No. 28/2017. Special attention should be given to disclosing significant contracts signed by public administrations, which is a crucial step toward the long-awaited reforms.
- **Transparency in Public Officials' Asset Disclosure**: The government should disclose the number of public officials who did not declare their assets in 2021, take legal measures against violators, and enhance accountability and transparency.
- **Accelerating the Implementation of Public Procurement Strategy**: Urgent action is required to implement the public procurement strategy, focusing on establishing an electronic procurement system, appointing a public procurement authority, and forming a complaints committee. Immediate implementation of beneficial ownership disclosure for all bidders is of utmost importance.
- **Addressing Ambiguous Practices in Public Financial Management**: Systematic ambiguous practices in public financial management must be urgently addressed, as financial transparency is now more critical than ever for sound reforms.
- **Whistleblower Protection Measures**: A comprehensive institutional and operational framework for protecting whistleblowers should be established. This framework would provide citizens with strong mechanisms to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
- **Empowering the National Anti-Corruption Authority (NACC)**: After a two-year delay, the internal regulations of the National Anti-Corruption Authority have been approved. It is essential to equip this committee with adequate resources to effectively combat corruption and end impunity.
- **Judicial Independence**: The Lebanese parliament should immediately grant the judiciary the necessary independence, resources, and transparency to punish all corruption crimes and restore checks and balances in power.
Transparency International - Lebanon continues to demand that the Lebanese state respond swiftly to these recommendations, emphasizing the need for immediate and decisive action to combat corruption and foster a more just and transparent society. The organization remains committed to actively advocating for ongoing reforms.
